Histone demethylase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for treating cancer and neoplastic diseases. Provided herein are substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. The subject compounds and compositions are useful for inhibition of histone demethylase enzymes. Furthermore, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for the treatment of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and/or melanoma and the like.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/774,338, filed Sep. 10, 2015, as a national stage application of PCT/US14/26710, filed Mar. 13, 2014, claiming priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/783,563, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

A need exists in the art for an effective treatment of cancer and neoplastic disease.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. The subject compounds and compositions are useful for the inhibition of histone demethylase. Furthermore, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for the treatment of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and/or melanoma and the like. The substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds described herein are based upon a substituted 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine ring system bearing at the 4-position of the pyridine ring a carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid ester, or bioisostere thereof, and additional substituents at the 1-, 2- and 5-position of the imidazole ring. The 1-position substituent, in various embodiments, is selected from a wide variety of groups, such as, but not limited to, alkyl, aryl, carbocyclyl, and the like.

One embodiment provides a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

-   -   wherein,     -   X is CH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is COH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is CH, and Z is N; or     -   X is N, Y is CH, and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is N, and Z is CH;     -   R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; R² is alkyl,         carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₃alkyl) or         C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, —C(O)N(H)OH, or tetrazolyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and     -   R⁶ is alkyl.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) having the structure of Formula (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

-   -   wherein,     -   R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl;     -   R² is alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or         heteroarylalkyl;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₃alkyl) or         C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, —C(O)N(H)OH, or tetrazolyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and     -   R⁶ is alkyl.

One embodiment provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound of Formula (I) has the structure:

-   -   wherein,     -   X is CH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is COH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is CH, and Z is N; or     -   X is N, Y is CH, and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is N, and Z is CH;     -   R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl;     -   R² is alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or         heteroarylalkyl;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₃alkyl) or         C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, —C(O)N(H)OH, or tetrazolyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and     -   R⁶ is alkyl.

One embodiment provides a method for treating cancer in subject comprising administering a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound of Formula (I) has the structure:

-   -   wherein,     -   X is CH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is COH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is CH, and Z is N; or     -   X is N, Y is CH, and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is N, and Z is CH;     -   R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl;     -   R² is alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or         heteroarylalkyl;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₃alkyl) or         C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, —C(O)N(H)OH, or tetrazolyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and     -   R⁶ is alkyl.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “and,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an agent” includes a plurality of such agents, and reference to “the cell” includes reference to one or more cells (or to a plurality of cells) and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as molecular weight, or chemical properties, such as chemical formulae, all combinations and subcombinations of ranges and specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. The term “about” when referring to a number or a numerical range means that the number or numerical range referred to is an approximation within experimental variability (or within statistical experimental error), and thus the number or numerical range may vary between 1% and 15% of the stated number or numerical range. The term “comprising” (and related terms such as “comprise” or “comprises” or “having” or “including”) is not intended to exclude that in other certain embodiments, for example, an embodiment of any composition of matter, composition, method, or process, or the like, described herein, may “consist of” or “consist essentially of” the described features.

Definitions

As used in the specification and appended claims, unless specified to the contrary, the following terms have the meaning indicated below.

“Amino” refers to the —NH₂ radical.

“Cyano” refers to the —CN radical.

“Nitro” refers to the —NO₂ radical.

“Oxa” refers to the —O— radical.

“Oxo” refers to the ═O radical.

“Thioxo” refers to the ═S radical.

“Imino” refers to the ═N—H radical.

“Oximo” refers to the ═N—OH radical.

“Hydrazino” refers to the ═N—NH₂ radical.

“Alkyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing no unsaturation, having from one to fifteen carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₁₅ alkyl). In certain embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to thirteen carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₁₃ alkyl). In certain embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to eight carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₈ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to five carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₅ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to four carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₄ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to three carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to two carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₂ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one carbon atom (e.g., C₁ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises five to fifteen carbon atoms (e.g., C₅-C₁₅ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises five to eight carbon atoms (e.g., C₅-C₈ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises two to five carbon atoms (e.g., C₂-C₅ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises three to five carbon atoms (e.g., C₃-C₅ alkyl). In other embodiments, the alkyl group is selected from methyl, ethyl, 1-propyl (n-propyl), 1-methylethyl (iso-propyl), 1-butyl (n-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl), 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl), 1-pentyl (n-pentyl). The alkyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, thioxo, imino, oximo, trimethylsilanyl, —OR^(a), —SR^(a), —OC(O)—R^(a), —N(R^(a))₂, —C(O)R^(a), —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —OC(O)N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl.

“Alkoxy” refers to a radical bonded through an oxygen atom of the formula —O-alkyl, where alkyl is an alkyl chain as defined above.

“Alkenyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical group consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond, and having from two to twelve carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, an alkenyl comprises two to eight carbon atoms. In other embodiments, an alkenyl comprises two to four carbon atoms. The alkenyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, for example, ethenyl (i.e., vinyl), prop-1-enyl (i.e., allyl), but-1-enyl, pent-1-enyl, penta-1,4-dienyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkenyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, thioxo, imino, oximo, trimethylsilanyl, —OR^(a), —SR^(a), —OC(O)—R^(a), —N(R^(a))₂, —C(O)R^(a), —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —OC(O)—N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl.

“Alkynyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical group consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, having from two to twelve carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, an alkynyl comprises two to eight carbon atoms. In other embodiments, an alkynyl has two to four carbon atoms. The alkynyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, for example, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkynyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, thioxo, imino, oximo, trimethylsilanyl, —OR^(a), —SR^(a), —OC(O)—R^(a), —N(R^(a))₂, —C(O)R^(a), —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —OC(O)—N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl.

“Alkylene” or “alkylene chain” refers to a straight or branched divalent hydrocarbon chain linking the rest of the molecule to a radical group, consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen, containing no unsaturation and having from one to twelve carbon atoms, for example, methylene, ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, and the like. The alkylene chain is attached to the rest of the molecule through a single bond and to the radical group through a single bond. The points of attachment of the alkylene chain to the rest of the molecule and to the radical group can be through one carbon in the alkylene chain or through any two carbons within the chain. In certain embodiments, an alkylene comprises one to eight carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₈ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises one to five carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₅ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises one to four carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₄ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises one to three carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises one to two carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₂ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises one carbon atom (e.g., C₁ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises five to eight carbon atoms (e.g., C₅-C₈ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises two to five carbon atoms (e.g., C₂-C₅ alkylene). In other embodiments, an alkylene comprises three to five carbon atoms (e.g., C₃-C₅ alkylene). Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkylene chain is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, thioxo, imino, oximo, trimethylsilanyl, —OR^(a), —SR^(a), —OC(O)—R^(a), —N(R^(a))₂, —C(O)R^(a), —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —OC(O)—N(R^(a))₂, —N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl.

“Aryl” refers to a radical derived from an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic hydrocarbon ring system by removing a hydrogen atom from a ring carbon atom. The aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic hydrocarbon ring system contains only hydrogen and carbon from five to eighteen carbon atoms, where at least one of the rings in the ring system is fully unsaturated, i.e., it contains a cyclic, delocalized (4n+2) π-electron system in accordance with the Hückel theory. The ring system from which aryl groups are derived include, but are not limited to, groups such as benzene, fluorene, indane, indene, tetralin and naphthalene. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the term “aryl” or the prefix “ar-” (such as in “aralkyl”) is meant to include aryl radicals optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, —R^(b)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—R^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—O—R^(c)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl (optionally substituted with one or more halo groups), aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^(b) is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^(c) is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

“Aralkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R^(c)-aryl where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above, for example, methylene, ethylene, and the like. The alkylene chain part of the aralkyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an alkylene chain. The aryl part of the aralkyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an aryl group.

“Aralkenyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R^(d)-aryl where R^(d) is an alkenylene chain as defined above. The aryl part of the aralkenyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an aryl group. The alkenylene chain part of the aralkenyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkenylene group.

“Aralkynyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R^(e)-aryl, where R^(e) is an alkynylene chain as defined above. The aryl part of the aralkynyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an aryl group. The alkynylene chain part of the aralkynyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkynylene chain.

“Aralkoxy” refers to a radical bonded through an oxygen atom of the formula —O—R^(c)-aryl where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above, for example, methylene, ethylene, and the like. The alkylene chain part of the aralkyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an alkylene chain. The aryl part of the aralkyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an aryl group.

“Carbocyclyl” refers to a stable non-aromatic monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon radical consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, which may include fused or bridged ring systems, having from three to fifteen carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, a carbocyclyl comprises three to ten carbon atoms. In other embodiments, a carbocyclyl comprises five to seven carbon atoms. The carbocyclyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. Carbocyclyl may be saturated, (i.e., containing single C—C bonds only) or unsaturated (i.e., containing one or more double bonds or triple bonds.) A fully saturated carbocyclyl radical is also referred to as “cycloalkyl.” Examples of monocyclic cycloalkyls include, e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. An unsaturated carbocyclyl is also referred to as “cycloalkenyl.” Examples of monocyclic cycloalkenyls include, e.g., cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, and cyclooctenyl. Polycyclic carbocyclyl radicals include, for example, adamantyl, norbornyl (i.e., bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl), norbornenyl, decalinyl, 7,7-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, and the like. Unless otherwise stated specifically in the specification, the term “carbocyclyl” is meant to include carbocyclyl radicals that are optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, oxo, thioxo, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, —R^(b)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—R^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—O—R^(c)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^(b) is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^(c) is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

“Carbocyclylalkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R^(c)-carbocyclyl where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above. The alkylene chain and the carbocyclyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above.

“Carbocyclylalkoxy” refers to a radical bonded through an oxygen atom of the formula —O—R^(c)-carbocyclyl where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above. The alkylene chain and the carbocyclyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above.

As used herein, “carboxylic acid bioisostere” refers to a functional group or moiety that exhibits similar physical, biological and/or chemical properties as a carboxylic acid moiety. Examples of carboxylic acid bioisosteres include, but are not limited to,

and the like.

“Halo” or “halogen” refers to bromo, chloro, fluoro or iodo substituents.

“Fluoroalkyl” refers to an alkyl radical, as defined above, that is substituted by one or more fluoro radicals, as defined above, for example, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1-fluoromethyl-2-fluoroethyl, and the like. The alkyl part of the fluoroalkyl radical may be optionally substituted as defined above for an alkyl group.

“Heterocyclyl” refers to a stable 3-to 18-membered non-aromatic ring radical that comprises two to twelve carbon atoms and from one to six heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the heterocyclyl radical is a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, which may include fused or bridged ring systems. The heteroatoms in the heterocyclyl radical may be optionally oxidized. One or more nitrogen atoms, if present, are optionally quaternized. The heterocyclyl radical is partially or fully saturated. The heterocyclyl may be attached to the rest of the molecule through any atom of the ring(s). Examples of such heterocyclyl radicals include, but are not limited to, dioxolanyl, thienyl[1,3]dithianyl, decahydroisoquinolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, octahydroindolyl, octahydroisoindolyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxo-piperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, quinuclidinyl, thiazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, trithianyl, tetrahydropyranyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, 1-oxo-thiomorpholinyl, and 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholinyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the term “heterocyclyl” is meant to include heterocyclyl radicals as defined above that are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, oxo, thioxo, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, —R^(b)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—R^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—O—R^(c)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^(b) is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^(c) is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

“N-heterocyclyl” or “N-attached heterocyclyl” refers to a heterocyclyl radical as defined above containing at least one nitrogen and where the point of attachment of the heterocyclyl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a nitrogen atom in the heterocyclyl radical. An N-heterocyclyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heterocyclyl radicals. Examples of such N-heterocyclyl radicals include, but are not limited to, 1-morpholinyl, 1-piperidinyl, 1-piperazinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, and imidazolidinyl.

“C-heterocyclyl” or “C-attached heterocyclyl” refers to a heterocyclyl radical as defined above containing at least one heteroatom and where the point of attachment of the heterocyclyl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a carbon atom in the heterocyclyl radical. A C-heterocyclyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heterocyclyl radicals. Examples of such C-heterocyclyl radicals include, but are not limited to, 2-morpholinyl, 2- or 3- or 4-piperidinyl, 2-piperazinyl, 2- or 3-pyrrolidinyl, and the like.

“Heterocyclylalkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R^(c)-heterocyclyl where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above. If the heterocyclyl is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl, the heterocyclyl is optionally attached to the alkyl radical at the nitrogen atom. The alkylene chain of the heterocyclylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkylene chain. The heterocyclyl part of the heterocyclylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for a heterocyclyl group.

“Heterocyclylalkoxy” refers to a radical bonded through an oxygen atom of the formula —O—R^(c)-heterocyclyl where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above. If the heterocyclyl is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl, the heterocyclyl is optionally attached to the alkyl radical at the nitrogen atom. The alkylene chain of the heterocyclylalkoxy radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkylene chain. The heterocyclyl part of the heterocyclylalkoxy radical is optionally substituted as defined above for a heterocyclyl group.

“Heteroaryl” refers to a radical derived from a 3-to 18-membered aromatic ring radical that comprises two to seventeen carbon atoms and from one to six heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. As used herein, the heteroaryl radical may be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, wherein at least one of the rings in the ring system is fully unsaturated, i.e., it contains a cyclic, delocalized (4n+2) π-electron system in accordance with the Hückel theory. Heteroaryl includes fused or bridged ring systems. The heteroatom(s) in the heteroaryl radical is optionally oxidized. One or more nitrogen atoms, if present, are optionally quaternized. The heteroaryl is attached to the rest of the molecule through any atom of the ring(s). Examples of heteroaryls include, but are not limited to, azepinyl, acridinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzin-dolyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, benzofuranyl, benzooxazolyl, benzo[d]thiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzo[b][1,4]dioxepinyl, benzo[b][1,4]oxazinyl, 1,4-benzodioxanyl, benzonaphthofuranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxinyl, benzopyranyl, benzopyranonyl, benzofuranyl, benzofuranonyl, benzothienyl (benzothiophenyl), benzothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzo[4,6]imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, carbazolyl, cinnolinyl, cyclopenta[d]pyrimidinyl, 6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl, 5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]quinazolinyl, 5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]cinnolinyl, 6,7-dihydro-5H-benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-c]pyridazinyl, dibenzofuranyl, dibenzothiophenyl, furanyl, furanonyl, furo[3,2-c]pyridinyl, 5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta-[d]pyrimidinyl, 5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta[d]pyridazinyl, 5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta-[d]pyridinyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, isoindolyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, isoquinolyl, indolizinyl, isoxazolyl, 5,8-methano-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolinyl, naphthyridinyl, 1,6-naphthyridinonyl, oxadiazolyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, oxazolyl, oxiranyl, 5,6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a-octahydrobenzo[h]quinazolinyl, 1-phenyl-1H-pyrrolyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidinyl, pyridinyl, pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidinyl, pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl, 6,7,8,9-tetra-hydro-5H-cyclohepta[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[4,5-c]pyridazinyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, triazinyl, thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl, thieno[3,2-d] pyrimidinyl, thieno[2,3-c]pridinyl, and thiophenyl (i.e. thienyl). Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the term “heteroaryl” is meant to include heteroaryl radicals as defined above which are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, oxo, thioxo, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, —R^(b)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—R^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—OR^(a), —R^(b)—OC(O)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—O—R^(c)—C(O)N(R^(a))₂, —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)OR^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))C(O)R^(a), —R^(b)—N(R^(a))S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)OR^(a) (where t is 1 or 2), —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)R^(a) (where t is 1 or 2) and —R^(b)—S(O)_(t)N(R^(a))₂ (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^(a) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^(b) is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^(c) is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

“N-heteroaryl” refers to a heteroaryl radical as defined above containing at least one nitrogen and where the point of attachment of the heteroaryl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a nitrogen atom in the heteroaryl radical. An N-heteroaryl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heteroaryl radicals.

“C-heteroaryl” refers to a heteroaryl radical as defined above and where the point of attachment of the heteroaryl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a carbon atom in the heteroaryl radical. A C-heteroaryl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heteroaryl radicals.

“Heteroarylalkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R^(c)-heteroaryl, where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above. If the heteroaryl is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl, the heteroaryl is optionally attached to the alkyl radical at the nitrogen atom. The alkylene chain of the heteroarylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkylene chain. The heteroaryl part of the heteroarylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for a heteroaryl group.

“Heteroarylalkoxy” refers to a radical bonded through an oxygen atom of the formula —O—R^(c)-heteroaryl, where R^(c) is an alkylene chain as defined above. If the heteroaryl is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl, the heteroaryl is optionally attached to the alkyl radical at the nitrogen atom. The alkylene chain of the heteroarylalkoxy radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkylene chain. The heteroaryl part of the heteroarylalkoxy radical is optionally substituted as defined above for a heteroaryl group.

The compounds disclosed herein may contain one or more asymmetric centers and may thus give rise to enantiomers, diastereomers, and other stereoisomeric forms that may be defined, in terms of absolute stereochemistry, as (R)- or (S)-. Unless stated otherwise, it is intended that all stereoisomeric forms of the compounds disclosed herein are contemplated by this disclosure. When the compounds described herein contain alkene double bonds, and unless specified otherwise, it is intended that this disclosure includes both E and Z geometric isomers (e.g., cis or trans) Likewise, all possible isomers, as well as their racemic and optically pure forms, and all tautomeric forms are also intended to be included. The term “geometric isomer” refers to E or Z geometric isomers (e.g., cis or trans) of an alkene double bond. The term “positional isomer” refers to structural isomers around a central ring, such as ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers around a benzene ring.

A “tautomer” refers to a molecule wherein a proton shift from one atom of a molecule to another atom of the same molecule is possible. The compounds presented herein may, in certain embodiments, exist as tautomers. In circumstances where tautomerization is possible, a chemical equilibrium of the tautomers will exist. The exact ratio of the tautomers depends on several factors, including physical state, temperature, solvent, and pH. Some examples of tautomeric equilibrium include:

“Optional” or “optionally” means that a subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur and that the description includes instances when the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not. For example, “optionally substituted aryl” means that the aryl radical may or may not be substituted and that the description includes both substituted aryl radicals and aryl radicals having no substitution.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes both acid and base addition salts. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any one of the substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds described herein is intended to encompass any and all pharmaceutically suitable salt forms. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds described herein are pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts and pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt” refers to those salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the free bases, which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and which are formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, hydroiodic acid, hydrofluoric acid, phosphorous acid, and the like. Also included are salts that are formed with organic acids such as aliphatic mono- and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl-substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxy alkanoic acids, alkanedioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and. aromatic sulfonic acids, etc. and include, for example, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, and the like. Exemplary salts thus include sulfates, pyrosulfates, bisulfates, sulfites, bisulfates, nitrates, phosphates, monohydrogenphosphates, dihydrogenphosphates, metaphosphates, pyrophosphates, chlorides, bromides, iodides, acetates, trifluoroacetates, propionates, caprylates, isobutyrates, oxalates, malonates, succinate suberates, sebacates, fumarates, maleates, mandelates, benzoates, chlorobenzoates, methylbenzoates, dinitrobenzoates, phthalates, benzenesulfonates, toluenesulfonates, phenylacetates, citrates, lactates, malates, tartrates, methanesulfonates, and the like. Also contemplated are salts of amino acids, such as arginates, gluconates, and galacturonates (see, for example, Berge S. M. et al., “Pharmaceutical Salts,” Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 66:1-19 (1997), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). Acid addition salts of basic compounds may be prepared by contacting the free base forms with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce the salt according to methods and techniques with which a skilled artisan is familiar.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salt” refers to those salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the free acids, which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. These salts are prepared from addition of an inorganic base or an organic base to the free acid. Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts may be formed with metals or amines, such as alkali and alkaline earth metals or organic amines. Salts derived from inorganic bases include, but are not limited to, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, aluminum salts and the like. Salts derived from organic bases include, but are not limited to, salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, for example, isopropylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, 2-diethylaminoethanol, dicyclohexylamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, caffeine, procaine, N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, hydrabamine, choline, betaine, ethylenediamine, ethylenedianiline, N-methylglucamine, glucosamine, methylglucamine, theobromine, purines, piperazine, piperidine, N-ethylpiperidine, polyamine resins and the like. See Berge et al., supra.

As used herein, “treatment” or “treating,” or “palliating” or “ameliorating” are used interchangeably herein. These terms refers to an approach for obtaining beneficial or desired results including but not limited to therapeutic benefit and/or a prophylactic benefit. By “therapeutic benefit” is meant eradication or amelioration of the underlying disorder being treated. Also, a therapeutic benefit is achieved with the eradication or amelioration of one or more of the physiological symptoms associated with the underlying disorder such that an improvement is observed in the patient, notwithstanding that the patient may still be afflicted with the underlying disorder. For prophylactic benefit, the compositions may be administered to a patient at risk of developing a particular disease, or to a patient reporting one or more of the physiological symptoms of a disease, even though a diagnosis of this disease may not have been made.

“Prodrug” is meant to indicate a compound that may be converted under physiological conditions or by solvolysis to a biologically active compound described herein. Thus, the term “prodrug” refers to a precursor of a biologically active compound that is pharmaceutically acceptable. A prodrug may be inactive when administered to a subject, but is converted in vivo to an active compound, for example, by hydrolysis. The prodrug compound often offers advantages of solubility, tissue compatibility or delayed release in a mammalian organism (see, e.g., Bundgard, Design of Prodrugs (1985), pp. 7-9, 21-24 (Elsevier, Amsterdam).

A discussion of prodrugs is provided in Higuchi, T., et al., “Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems,” A.C.S. Symposium Series, Vol. 14, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, ed. Edward B. Roche, American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, 1987, both of which are incorporated in full by reference herein.

The term “prodrug” is also meant to include any covalently bonded carriers, which release the active compound in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a mammalian subject. Prodrugs of an active compound, as described herein, may be prepared by modifying functional groups present in the active compound in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to the parent active compound. Prodrugs include compounds wherein a hydroxy, amino or mercapto group is bonded to any group that, when the prodrug of the active compound is administered to a mammalian subject, cleaves to form a free hydroxy, free amino or free mercapto group, respectively. Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, acetate, formate and benzoate derivatives of alcohol or amine functional groups in the active compounds and the like.

Substituted Imidazole-Pyridine Derivative Compounds

Substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds are described herein that inhibit a histone demethylase enzyme. These compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, are useful for the treatment of cancer and neoplastic diseases. The compounds described herein may, therefore, be useful for treating prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and/or melanoma and the like.

One embodiment provides a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

-   -   wherein,     -   X is CH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is COH, Y is CH and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is CH, and Z is N; or     -   X is N, Y is CH, and Z is CH; or     -   X is CH, Y is N, and Z is CH;     -   R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl;     -   R² is alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or         heteroarylalkyl;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₃alkyl) or         C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, —C(O)N(H)OH, or tetrazolyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and     -   R⁶ is alkyl.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I), wherein X is COH, Y is CH and Z is CH. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I), wherein X is CH, Y is CH, and Z is N. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I), wherein X is N, Y is CH, and Z is CH. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I), wherein X is CH, Y is N, and Z is CH.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) having the structure of Formula (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

-   -   wherein,     -   R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl;     -   R² is alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or         heteroarylalkyl;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C1-C3alkyl) or         C1-C3alkyl;     -   R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, —C(O)N(H)OH, or tetrazolyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and     -   R⁶ is alkyl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen and R⁴ is —CO₂H. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen and R⁴ is —CO₂R⁶. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂R⁶, and R⁶ is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂R⁶, and R⁶ is ethyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —C(O)N(H)CN. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —C(O)N(H)OH. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R⁴ is tetrazolyl and the tetrazolyl is further substituted with a methyl or —R^(b)—OC(O)—R^(a) wherein R^(b) is C₁-C₃ alkylene and R^(a) is alkyl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is alkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with alkoxy. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with dialkylamino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (aryl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (carbocyclyl)(alkyl)-amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heteroaryl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heterocyclyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (aralkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (carbocyclylalkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heteroarylalkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heterocyclylalkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is heterocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is heteroaryl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is heteroaryl-alkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is aralkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is carbocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is heterocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is heteroarylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is aralkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is carbocyclylalkyl.

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is aryl. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, and heteroarylalkyl. In yet a a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is alkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with alkoxy. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with dialkylamino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (aryl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (carbocyclyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heteroaryl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heterocyclyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (aralkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (carbocyclyl-alkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heteroarylalkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is alkyl substituted with (heterocyclylalkyl)(alkyl)amino. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is heterocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is heteroaryl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is heteroarylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is aralkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, R² is carbocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is heterocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is heteroarylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is aralkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, R² is carbocyclylalkyl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, and heteroarylalkyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is hydrogen. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, and heteroarylalkyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is alkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, and heteroarylalkyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, and heteroarylalkyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂R⁶, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, and heteroarylalkyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is tetrazolyl, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with two halogens, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one halogen, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one alkyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one carbocyclyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one heterocyclyl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (II) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one heteroaryl, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is —CO₂H, and R² is methyl.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (II) having the structure of Formula (IIa), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

-   -   wherein,     -   R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl;     -   R² is alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or         heteroarylalkyl;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₃alkyl) or         C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R⁴ is a tetrazolyl further substituted with a methyl or         —R^(b)—OC(O)—R^(a) wherein R^(b) is C₁-C₃ alkylene and R^(a) is         alkyl; and     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R³ is hydrogen, and R² is heterocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R³ is hydrogen, and R² is heteroarylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R³ is hydrogen, and R² is aralkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R³ is hydrogen, and R² is carbocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is heterocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is heteroarylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is aralkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is carbocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, and heteroarylalkyl, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is methyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is an optionally substituted phenyl, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is heterocyclylalkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is an optionally substituted phenyl, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is heteroaryl-alkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is an optionally substituted phenyl, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is aralkyl. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (IIa) wherein R¹ is an optionally substituted phenyl, R³ is hydrogen, and R² is carbocyclylalkyl.

One embodiment provides a compound of Formula (III) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

-   -   wherein:     -   R¹ is carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl;     -   R² is alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, heteroarylalkyl,         —CON(R⁵)₂, —CO₂R⁵, SO₂N(R⁵)₂, or SO₂R⁵;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₃alkyl) or         C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, —C(O)N(H)OH, or tetrazolyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, carbocyclyl,         heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl,         heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and     -   R⁶ is alkyl.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (III), wherein R¹ is aryl. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (III), wherein R³ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compound disclosed herein has the structure provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Chemical Synthesis Example Structure Name  1

2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  2

2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  3

2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  4

2-[1-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  5

2-[5-(4-ethylphenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  6

2-{1-methyl-5-[4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]- 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  7

2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  8

methyl 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate  9

2-[5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  10

2-{1-methyl-5-[3- (methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  11

2-{5-[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  12

2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  13

2-{1-methyl-5-[4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  14

2-[5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  15

2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1- yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  16

2-{5-[4-(cyclopropylmethoxy) phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  17

2-(5-{4-[1-(hydroxymethyl) cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  18

2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(pyrrolidin-1- yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  19

2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  20

2-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  21

2-[5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  22

2-[5-(1H-indol-6-yl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  23

2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  24

2-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  25

2-(5-{4-[1-(methoxymethyl) cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  26

2-[5-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  27

2-{5-[4-chloro-2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  28

2-[5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  29

2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  30

2-[5-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  31

2-{5-[4-chloro-3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  32

2-[5-(4-chloro-2-ethoxyphenyl)-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  33

2-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  34

2-(1-methyl-5-{4-[1- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}- 1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  35

2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1- propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  36

2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(3- methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  37

2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(2- methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  38

2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  39

2-{5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-[2- (dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol- 4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  40

2-{1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]- 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  41

2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  42

2-{1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  43

2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  44

methyl 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1- yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine- 4-carboxylate  45

2-{1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  46

2-{1-[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]- 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  47

2-[1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  48

2-(1-{2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy] ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  49

2-[1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  50

2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-4- yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  51

2-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  52

2-[1-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  53

2-[1-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)- 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  54

2-{1-[(4-methylmorpholin-2- yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  55

2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-3- yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  56

methyl 2-(1-{2- [benzyl(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate  57

2-(1-{2-[benzyl(methyl)amino] ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  58

2-(1-{2-[methyl(phenyl)amino] ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  59

2-(1-{2-[(cyclopropylmethyl) (methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  60

2-{1-[2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]- 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  61

2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl] 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  62

2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine  63

2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]- 1H-imidazol-4-yl}-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine  64

N-cyano-2-(1-{2- [(cyclopropylmethyl)(methyl)amino] ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide  65

N-benzyl-2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-4-yl]benzamide  66

2-[1-[2-[methyl- [(3-melhylphenyl)methyl]amino] ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  67

2-[1-[2-[methyl- [(4-methylphenyl)methyl]amino] ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  68

2-[1-[2-[methyl-[[4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl] amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid  69

2-[1-[2-[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  70

2-[1-[2-[ethyl-[(4- fluorophenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl] imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  71

2-[1-[2-[cyclopropyl-[(4- fluorophenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl] imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  72

2-[1-[2-[(4,4-difluorocyclohexyl) methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  73

2-[1-[2-[(3,3-difluorocyclobutyl) methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  74

2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl) methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  75

2-[1-[2-[[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  76

2-[1-[2-(1,3-dihydroisoindol-2- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  77

2-[1-[2-[(2-methoxyphenyl) methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  78

2-[1-[2-[(2-chlorophenyl) methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  79

2-[1-[2-(5-fluoro-1,3- dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  80

2-[1-[2-[(2-ethylphenyl) methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  81

2-[1-[2-(4-chloro-1,3- dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  82

2-[1-[2-(5-chloro-1,3- dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  83

2-[1-[2-(4-cyano-1,3-dihydroisoindol- 2-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  84

2-[1-[2-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3- dihydroisoindol-2-yl]ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  85

2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- cyclopropylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  86

2-[1-[2-[cyclopropyl- [(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]amino] ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  87

2-[1-[2-(4-chloro-N- methylanilino)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  88

2-[1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-quinolin-1- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  89

2-[1-[2-(6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H- quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  90

2-[1-[2-(6-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H- quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid  91

2-[1-[2-(5-fluoro-2,3-dihydroindol-1- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  92

2-[1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  93

2-[1-[2-(2-fluorophenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  94

2-[1-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  95

2-[1-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  96

2-[1-[2-(2-methylphenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  97

2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid  98

2-[1-[2-[2-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid  99

2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2- yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 100

2-(1-benzylimidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 101

2-[1-[(4-fluorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 102

2-[1-[(2-fluorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 103

2-[1-(1-phenylethyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 104

2-[1-[(3-fluorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic 105

2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2- methylpropyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 106

2-[1-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 107

2-[1-(1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 108

2-[1-(2-methyl-1- phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 109

2-[1-(6-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden- 1-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 110

2-[1-(4-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden- 1-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 111

2-[1-[(3-phenylphenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 112

2-[1-(2-naphthalen-1- ylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 113

2-[1-[2-(3-chlorophenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 114

2-[1-(2-cyclohexylethyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 115

2-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 116

2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1- ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 117

2-[1-[[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 118

methyl 2-[1-[2-(2- fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate 119

methyl 2-[1-[(3- phenylphenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate 120

2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4- fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 121

2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4,5- difluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 122

2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6- fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 123

2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-5- methylphenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 124

2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 125

2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 126

2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1- (cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 127

2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5- (4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 128

2-[1-[2-(2-ethoxyphenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 129

2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 130

2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 131

2-[1-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 132

2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 133

2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[2-(2- chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 134

2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 135

2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 136

2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1- (cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 137

2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 138

[5-[2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]- 5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridin-4-yl]tetrazol-2- yl]methyl acetate 139

[5-[2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5- (4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridin-4-yl]tetrazol-2-yl]methyl 2,2-dimethylpropanoate 140

4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[2- [2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine 141

2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 142

2-[1-(2-naphthalen-1- ylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 143

2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1- ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 144

2-[1-(1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]- 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 145

2-[1-(2-methyl-1- phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 146

2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen- 2-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 147

2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden- 2-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 148

2-[5-(4-fluoro-2- phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 149

2-[5-(2-butoxy-4-fluorophenyl)- 1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 150

2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4- fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 151

2-[1-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 152

4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenyl] methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine 153

2-[1-[[2-(2-methylpropoxy) phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 154

2-[1-[[2-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 155

2-[1-(naphthalen-1- ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 156

4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl] imidazol-4-yl]pyridine 157

2-[1-[1-(2-chlorophenyl) ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 158

2-[1-[(2,3-dichlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 159

2-[5-[4-fluoro-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 160

2-[5-(4-fluoro-3- phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 161

2-[5-(4-chloro-3- phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1- methylimidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile 162

2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazole-4-yl]phenol 163

2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-4-yl]- N-phenylbenzamide 164

2-[5-(4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 165

2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H- imidazol-4-yl)-4-(2-methyl- 2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 166

(5-(2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H- tetrazol-2-yl)methyl pivalate 167

(5-(2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H- tetrazol-2-yl)methyl acetate 168

(5-(2-(1-((1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)methyl)- 1H-imidaxol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H- tetrazol-2-yl)methyl pivalate 169

2-(1-(3-chlorobenzyl)-5-(2- (cyclopropylmethoxy)-4- fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

In some embodiments, the compound disclosed herein has the structure provided in Table 2.

TABLE 2

  2-[1-[2-[cyclobutylmethyl (methyl)amino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  methyl 2-[1-[2-[(3,3-difluorocyclobutyl) methyl-methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

  2-[1-[2-[cyclohexylmethyl(methyl) amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  N-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-N-methyl-2- [4-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-1-yl]ethanamine

  methyl 2-[1-[2-[(4- fluorophenyl)methyl-methylamino]ethyl] imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

  2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  N-cyano-2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxamide

  N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N-methyl-2- [4-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-1-yl]ethanamine

  methyl 2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylate

  N-methyl-N-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-2- [4-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-1-yl]ethanamine

  2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-N- cyanopyridine-4-carboxamide

  N-methyl-2-[4-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin- 2-yl]imidazol-1-yl]-N-[[4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]methyl]ethanamine

  methyl 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[(4-methylphenyl) methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylate

  2-[1-[2-[(4-cyclopropylphenyl)methyl- methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  N-cyano-2-[1-[2-[methyl-[(4- methylphenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

  N-[(4-cyclopropylphenyl)methyl]-N- methyl-2-[4-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-1-yl]ethanamine

  methyl 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[[4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]amino]ethyl] imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

  2-[1-[2-[(2R)-2-phenylpyrrolidin- 1-yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid

  N-cyano-2-[1-[2-[methyl-[[4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

  2-[1-[2-[(2R)-2-(4-fluorophenyl) pyrrolidin-1-yl]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  methyl 2-[1-[2-[(4-cyclopropylphenyl) methyl-methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

  2-[1-[2-[(2R)-2-(4-chlorophenyl) pyrrolidin-1-yl]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  N-cyano-2-[1-[2-[(4-cyclopropylphenyl) methyl-methylamino]ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

  2-[1-[2-[(2R)-2-(4- methylphenyl)pyrrolidin-1- yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(2S)-2-phenylpyrrolidin-1- yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(2R)-2-cyclopropylpyrrolidin- 1-yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(2S)-2-(4-fluorophenyl) pyrrolidin-1-yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(2R)-2-cyclobutylpyrrolidin-1-yl] ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(2S)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrrolidin-1- yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- ethylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(2S)-2-(4-methylphenyl)pyrrolidin-1- yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) methyl-ethylamino]ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-(2-cyclopropylpyrrolidin-1- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl- cyclopropylmethyllamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-(2-cyclobutylpyrrolidin- 1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- cyclopropylmethyllamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)methyl- cyclopropylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)methyl- cyclopropylmethyllamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl- isopropylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)methyl- isopropylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

  2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- isopropylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

Preparation of the Substituted Imidazole-Pyridine Derivative Compounds

The compounds used in the reactions described herein are made according to organic synthesis techniques known to those skilled in this art, starting from commercially available chemicals and/or from compounds described in the chemical literature. “Commercially available chemicals” are obtained from standard commercial sources including Acros Organics (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Aldrich Chemical (Milwaukee, Wis., including Sigma Chemical and Fluka), Apin Chemicals Ltd. (Milton Park, UK), Avocado Research (Lancashire, U.K.), BDH Inc. (Toronto, Canada), Bionet (Cornwall, U.K.), Chemservice Inc. (West Chester, Pa.), Crescent Chemical Co. (Hauppauge, N.Y.), Eastman Organic Chemicals, Eastman Kodak Company (Rochester, N.Y.), Fisher Scientific Co. (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Fisons Chemicals (Leicestershire, UK), Frontier Scientific (Logan, Utah), ICN Biomedicals, Inc. (Costa Mesa, Calif.), Key Organics (Cornwall, U.K.), Lancaster Synthesis (Windham, N.H.), Maybridge Chemical Co. Ltd. (Cornwall, U.K.), Parish Chemical Co. (Orem, Utah), Pfaltz & Bauer, Inc. (Waterbury, Conn.), Polyorganix (Houston, Tex.), Pierce Chemical Co. (Rockford, Ill.), Riedel de Haen AG (Hanover, Germany), Spectrum Quality Product, Inc. (New Brunswick, N.J.), TCI America (Portland, Oreg.), Trans World Chemicals, Inc. (Rockville, Md.), and Wako Chemicals USA, Inc. (Richmond, Va.).

Methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art are identified through various reference books and databases. Suitable reference books and treatise that detail the synthesis of reactants useful in the preparation of compounds described herein, or provide references to articles that describe the preparation, include for example, “Synthetic Organic Chemistry”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York; S. R. Sandler et al., “Organic Functional Group Preparations,” 2nd Ed., Academic Press, New York, 1983; H. O. House, “Modern Synthetic Reactions”, 2nd Ed., W. A. Benjamin, Inc. Menlo Park, Calif. 1972; T. L. Gilchrist, “Heterocyclic Chemistry”, 2nd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1992; J. March, “Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure”, 4th Ed., Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1992. Additional suitable reference books and treatise that detail the synthesis of reactants useful in the preparation of compounds described herein, or provide references to articles that describe the preparation, include for example, Fuhrhop, J. and Penzlin G. “Organic Synthesis: Concepts, Methods, Starting Materials”, Second, Revised and Enlarged Edition (1994) John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 3-527-29074-5; Hoffman, R. V. “Organic Chemistry, An Intermediate Text” (1996) Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-509618-5; Larock, R. C. “Comprehensive Organic Transformations: A Guide to Functional Group Preparations” 2nd Edition (1999) Wiley-VCH, ISBN: 0-471-19031-4; March, J. “Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure” 4th Edition (1992) John Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 0-471-60180-2; Otera, J. (editor) “Modern Carbonyl Chemistry” (2000) Wiley-VCH, ISBN: 3-527-29871-1; Patai, S. “Patai's 1992 Guide to the Chemistry of Functional Groups” (1992) Interscience ISBN: 0-471-93022-9; Solomons, T. W. G. “Organic Chemistry” 7th Edition (2000) John Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 0-471-19095-0; Stowell, J. C., “Intermediate Organic Chemistry” 2nd Edition (1993) Wiley-Interscience, ISBN: 0-471-57456-2; “Industrial Organic Chemicals: Starting Materials and Intermediates: An Ullmann's Encyclopedia” (1999) John Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 3-527-29645-X, in 8 volumes; “Organic Reactions” (1942-2000) John Wiley & Sons, in over 55 volumes; and “Chemistry of Functional Groups” John Wiley & Sons, in 73 volumes.

Specific and analogous reactants may also be identified through the indices of known chemicals prepared by the Chemical Abstract Service of the American Chemical Society, which are available in most public and university libraries, as well as through on-line databases (the American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., may be contacted for more details). Chemicals that are known but not commercially available in catalogs may be prepared by custom chemical synthesis houses, where many of the standard chemical supply houses (e.g., those listed above) provide custom synthesis services. A reference for the preparation and selection of pharmaceutical salts of the substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds described herein is P. H. Stahl & C. G. Wermuth “Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts”, Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta, Zurich, 2002.

The substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds are prepared by the general synthetic routes described below in Schemes 1-5.

A method for preparing compounds of formula 1-4 is provided in Scheme 1. Via Stille coupling, 2-chloro-4-pyridinenitrile is treated with N-methyl-4-(tributylstannyl)imidazole in an organic solvent, such as toluene, under microwave heating (e.g., about 120° C.), in presence of a Pd catalyst (e.g. tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (0)) to give intermediate 1-1. Subsequent reaction with stoichiometric amount of NBS provides a single brominated product 1-2. Using Suzuki condition, substituted phenyl imidazole intermediates 1-3 are obtained, which upon heating using NaOH aqueous solution (5-10N) in an alcoholic solvent such as EtOH afford the carboxylic acid compounds of formula 1-4.

A method for preparing compounds of formula 2-4 is provided in Scheme 2. 2-Chloro-4-pyridinenitrile is treated with 4-(tributylstannyl)-1-tritylimidazole using a similar Stille coupling condition as described in scheme 1 to give trityl protected imidazole intermediate 2-1. It is then treated with acetic acid at elevated temperature (e.g., 90° C.) to deprotect the trityl group. Intermediate 2-2 is then alkylated with alkyl halide (alkyl chloro or alkyl bromo) using a base, such as sodium hydride or cesium carbonate, in an organic solvent, such as DMF, at room temperature (when using NaH) or under heating condition (e.g., 90-120° C., when using cesium carbonate) to give 2-3. Hydrolysis using concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (e.g., 5-10 N) in ethanol upon heating (e.g., 90° C.) provides the carboxylic acid compounds of formula 2-4.

A method to prepare N-ethylamino substituted imidazole-pyridines of formula 3-7 is provided in Scheme 3.

2-Bromoethanol is first treated with trityl chloride in presence of a base, such as TEA, in an anhydrous organic solvent, such as DCM, to give 3-1. Alkylation of bromoimidazole (obtained by bromination on imidazole using bromine) using 3-1, under treatment with sodium hydride gives 3-2. It is then converted to tin reagent using bis(tributyltin), triphenyl phosphine, palladium acetate and a base (e.g sodium carbonate) under heating conditions. Via Stille coupling as described in Scheme 1, substituted imidazolo pyridine 3-4 is obtained. The trityl protective group is removed by treatment with an acid, such as HCl. The alcohol intermediate 3-5 is then converted to the mesylate, followed by displacement with N-methyl substituted amines under heating condition (e.g., 110° C.) in an organic solvent, such as toluene. Upon hydrolysis using sodium hydroxide solution (5-10N), the carboxylic acid compounds of formula 3-7 are obtained.

Methods for preparing compounds of formula 4-2 and 4-3 are provided in Scheme 4. Treatment of acid 4-1 with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of a coupling reagent, such as HATU, in a solvent, such as DMF, at room temperature for 1 to 24 hours provides compounds 4-2. Compound 4-1 can also be used to prepare N-acylcyanamides such as compound 4-3. Treatment of 4-1 with cyanamide in the presence of an acid coupling reagent, such as HATU, in a solvent, such as DMF, at room temperature for 1 to 24 hours provides compounds 4-3.

A method for preparing compounds of formula 5-2 is provided in Scheme 5. Treatment of the nitrile intermediate 5-1 with sodium azide and ammonium chloride in DMF followed by heating to 90° C. for 2 to 24 hours provides the desired tetrazole derivative 5-2.

In each of the above reaction procedures or schemes, the various substituents may be selected from among the various substituents otherwise taught herein.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

In certain embodiments, the substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compound as described herein is administered as a pure chemical. In other embodiments, the substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compound described herein is combined with a pharmaceutically suitable or acceptable carrier (also referred to herein as a pharmaceutically suitable (or acceptable) excipient, physiologically suitable (or acceptable) excipient, or physiologically suitable (or acceptable) carrier) selected on the basis of a chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice as described, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (Gennaro, 21^(st) Ed. Mack Pub. Co., Easton, Pa. (2005)), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Accordingly, provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compound, or a stereoisomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, or N-oxide thereof, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The carrier(s) (or excipient(s)) is acceptable or suitable if the carrier is compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and not deleterious to the recipient (i.e., the subject) of the composition.

One embodiment provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

One embodiment provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of Formula (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compound as described by Formula (I) or (III) is substantially pure, in that it contains less than about 5%, or less than about 1%, or less than about 0.1%, of other organic small molecules, such as contaminating intermediates or by-products that are created, for example, in one or more of the steps of a synthesis method.

Suitable oral dosage forms include, for example, tablets, pills, sachets, or capsules of hard or soft gelatin, methylcellulose or of another suitable material easily dissolved in the digestive tract. Suitable nontoxic solid carriers can be used which include, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, and the like. (See, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (Gennaro, 21^(st) Ed. Mack Pub. Co., Easton, Pa. (2005)).

The dose of the composition comprising at least one substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compound as described herein may differ, depending upon the patient's (e.g., human) condition, that is, stage of the disease, general health status, age, and other factors that a person skilled in the medical art will use to determine dose.

Pharmaceutical compositions may be administered in a manner appropriate to the disease to be treated (or prevented) as determined by persons skilled in the medical arts. An appropriate dose and a suitable duration and frequency of administration will be determined by such factors as the condition of the patient, the type and severity of the patient's disease, the particular form of the active ingredient, and the method of administration. In general, an appropriate dose and treatment regimen provides the composition(s) in an amount sufficient to provide therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefit (e.g., an improved clinical outcome, such as more frequent complete or partial remissions, or longer disease-free and/or overall survival, or a lessening of symptom severity. Optimal doses may generally be determined using experimental models and/or clinical trials. The optimal dose may depend upon the body mass, weight, or blood volume of the patient.

Oral doses can typically range from about 1.0 mg to about 1000 mg, one to four times, or more, per day.

Histone Demethylase

Chromatin is the complex of DNA and protein that makes up chromosomes. Histones are the major protein component of chromatin, acting as spools around which DNA winds. Changes in chromatin structure are affected by covalent modifications of histone proteins and by non-histone binding proteins. Several classes of enzymes are known which can covalently modify histones at various sites.

Proteins can be post-translationally modified by methylation on amino groups of lysines and guanidino groups of arginines or carboxymethylated on aspartate, glutamate, or on the C-terminus of the protein. Post-translational protein methylation has been implicated in a variety of cellular processes such as RNA processing, receptor mediated signaling, and cellular differentiation. Post-translational protein methylation is widely known to occur on histones, such reactions known to be catalyzed by histone methyltransferases, which transfer methyl groups from S-adenyosyl methionine (SAM) to histones. Histone methylation is known to participate in a diverse range of biological processes including heterochromatin formation, X-chromosome inactivation, and transcriptional regulation (Lachner et al., (2003) J. Cell Sci. 116:2117-2124; Margueron et al., (2005) Curr. Opin. Genet. Dev. 15:163-176).

Unlike acetylation, which generally correlates with transcriptional activation, whether histone methylation leads to transcription activation or repression depends on the particular site of methylation and the degree of methylation (e.g., whether a particular histone lysine residue is mono-, di-, or tri-methylated). However, generally, methylation on H3K9, H3K27 and H4K20 is linked to gene silencing, while methylation on H3K4, H3K36, and H3K79 is generally associated with active gene expression. In addition, tri- and di-methylation of H3K4 generally marks the transcriptional start sites of actively transcribed genes, whereas mono-methylation of H3K4 is associated with enhancer sequences.

A “demethylase” or “protein demethylase,” as referred to herein, refers to an enzyme that removes at least one methyl group from an amino acid side chain. Some demethylases act on histones, e.g., act as a histone H3 or H4 demethylase. For example, an H3 demethylase may demethylate one or more of H3K4, H3K9, H3K27, H3K36 and/or H3K79. Alternately, an H4 demethylase may demethylate histone H4K20. Demethylases are known which can demethylate either a mono-, di- and/or a tri-methylated substrate. Further, histone demethylases can act on a methylated core histone substrate, a mononucleosome substrate, a dinucleosome substrate and/or an oligonucleosome substrate, peptide substrate and/or chromatin (e.g., in a cell-based assay).

The first lysine demethylase discovered was lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1), which demethylates both mono- and di-methylated H3K4 or H3K9, using flavin as a cofactor. A second class of Jumonji C (JmjC) domain containing histone demthylases were predicted, and confirmed when a H3K36 demethylase was found using a formaldehyde release assay, which was named JmjC domain containing histone demethylase 1 (JHDM1/KDM2A).

More JmjC domain-containing proteins were subsequently identified and they can be phylogenetically clustered into seven subfamilies: JHDM1, JHDM2, JHDM3, JMJD2, JARID, PHF2/PHF8, UTX/UTY, and JmjC domain only.

JMJD2 Family

The JMJD2 family of proteins are a family of histone-demethylases known to demethylate tri- and di-methylated H3-K9, and were the first identified histone tri-methyl demethylases. In particular, ectopic expression of JMJD2 family members was found to dramatically decrease levels of tri- and di-methylated H3-K9, while increasing levels of mono-methylated H3-K9, which delocalized Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) and reduced overall levels of heterochromatin in vivo. Members of the JMJD2 subfamily of jumonji proteins include JMJD2C and its homologues JMJD2A, JMJD2B, JMJD2D and JMJD2E. Common structural features found in the JMJD2 subfamily of Jumonji proteins include the JmjN, JmjC, PHD and Tdr sequences.

JMJD2C, also known as GASC1 and KDM4C, is known to demethylate tri-methylated H3K9 and H3K36. Histone demethylation by JMJD2C occurs via a hydroxylation reaction dependent on iron and α-ketoglutarate, wherein oxidative decarboxylation of α-ketoglutarate by JMJD2C produces carbon dioxide, succinate, and ferryl and ferryl subsequently hydroxylates a methyl group of lysine H3K9, releasing formaldehyde. JMJD2C is known to modulate regulation of adipogenesis by the nuclear receptor PPARγ and is known to be involved in regulation of self-renewal in embryonic stem cells.

JARID Family

As used herein, a “JARID protein” includes proteins in the JARID1 subfamily (e.g., JARID1A, JARID1B, JARID1C and JARID1D proteins) and the JARID2 subfamily, as well as homologues thereof. A further description and listing of JARID proteins can be found in Klose et al., Nature Reviews/Genetics 7:715-727 (2006). The JARID1 family contains several conserved domains: JmjN, ARID, JmjC, PHD and a C5HC2 zing finger.

JARID1A, also called KDM5A or RBP2, was initially found as a binding partner of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. JARID1A was subsequently found to function as a demethylase of tri- and di-methylated H3K4, and has been found to promote cell growth, while inhibiting senescence and differentiation. For instance, abrogation of JARID1A from mouse cells inhibits cell growth, induces senescence and differentiation, and causes loss of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells in vitro. JARID1A has been found to be overexpressed in gastric cancer and the loss of JARID1A has been found to reduce tumorigenesis in a mouse cancer model. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that loss of the retinoblastome binding protein 2 (RBP2) histone demethylase suppresses tumorigenesis in mice lacking Rb1 or Men1 (Lin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Aug. 16, 2011, 108(33), 13379-86; doi: 10.1073/pnas.1110104108) and lead to the conclusion that RBP2-inhibitory drugs would have anti-cancer activity.

JARID1B, also referred to as KDM5B and PLU1, was originally found in experiments to discover genes regulated by the HER2 tyrosine kinase. JARID1B has consistently been found to be expressed in breast cancer cell lines, although restriction of JARID1B has been found in normal adult tissues, with the exception of the testis. In addition, 90% of invasive ductal carcinomas have been found to express JARID1B. In addition, JARID1B has been found to be up-regulated in prostate cancers, while having more limited expression in benign prostate, and has also been found to be up-regulated in bladder cancer and lung cancer (both SCLC and NSCLC). JARID1B has also been found to repress tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA1, CAV1 and 14-3-3σ, and knockdown of JARID1B was found to increase the levels of tri-methylated H3K4 at these genes.

FBXL10 and FBXL11

F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 10 (FBXL10) and F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 11 (FBXL11) are multifunctional F-box family proteins that demethylate histone H3 through a hydroxylation based mechanism. FBXL10, also known as lysine (K)-specific demethylase 2B (KDM2B) or Jumonji C domain-containing histone demethylase 1B (JHDM1B), preferentially demethylates trimethylated K4 and dimethylated K36 of histone H3, but contains weak or no activity for mono- and tri-methylated H3-K36. FBXL10 contains three domains, a catalytic JMJC domain, an F-box domain and a CXXC DNA-binding domain. The N-terminal JMJC domain coordinates iron and α-ketoglutarate to catalyze demethylation through the hydroxylation based mechanism. The CXXC DNA-binding domain allows FBXL10 to preferentially bind to transcribed region of the ribosomal RNA, leading to repression of the ribosomal RNA gene transcription and ultimately leading to inhibition of cell growth and proliferation. FBXL10 has been found to be overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia, bladder carcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Recently, it has been demonstrated that FBXL10 regulates the expression of Polycomb target genes, those proteins are epigenetic regulators essential for stem cell differentiation. This regulation implicates FBXL10's involvement in tumorigenesis through the regulation of these Polycomb target genes.

FBXL11, also known as KDM2A or JHDM1A, demethylates mono- and di-methylated K36 of histone H3. The CXXC DNA-binding domain recognizes non-methylated DNA and targets CpG island regions where it specifically removes H3K3 methylation. Further, FBXL11 is required to maintain a heterochromatic state, sustain centromeric integrity and genomic stability during mitosis. In addition, FBXL11 is a key negative regulator of NF-KB. Overexpression of FBXL11 has been observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where FBXL11 upregulates phosphor-ERK1/2 by repressing DUSP3 expression in NSCLC cell lines. Negative regulation of gluconeogenic gene expression by FBXL11 results in suppression of two rate-limiting gluconeogenic enzymes, critical for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.

In an additional embodiment is a method for inhibiting a histone-demethylase enzyme comprising contacting a histone demethylase enzyme with a compound of Formula (I) or (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In an additional embodiment is the method for inhibiting a histone-demethylase enzyme, wherein the histone-demethylase enzyme comprises a JmjC domain. In an additional embodiment is the method for inhibiting a histone-demethylase enzyme, wherein the histone-demethylase enzyme is selected from JARID1A, JARID1B, JMJD2C, JMJD2A or FBXL10.

Methods of Treatment

Disclosed herein are methods of modulating demethylation in a cell or in a subject, either generally or with respect to one or more specific target genes. Demethylation can be modulated to control a variety of cellular functions, including without limitation: differentiation; proliferation; apoptosis; tumorigenesis, leukemogenesis or other oncogenic transformation events; hair loss; or sexual differentiation. For example, in particular embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating a disease regulated by histone methylation and/or demethylation in a subject in need thereof by modulating the activity of a demethylase comprising a JmjC domain (e.g., a histone demethylase such as a JHDM protein(s)).

In an additional embodiment is a method for treating cancer in subject comprising administering a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I) or (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a further embodiment is the method for treating cancer in a subject wherein the cancer is selected from prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer or melanoma.

In an additional embodiment is a method for inhibiting the growth of a tumor comprising administering a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I) or (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the tumor is characterized by a loss of retinoblastoma gene (RB1) function.

In an additional embodiment is a method for inhibiting the growth of a tumor comprising administering a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I) or (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the tumor is characterized by a loss of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 gene (Men1) function.

Other embodiments and uses will be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the present disclosures. The following examples are provided merely as illustrative of various embodiments and shall not be construed to limit the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES

I. Chemical Synthesis

Unless otherwise noted, reagents and solvents were used as received from commercial suppliers. Anhydrous solvents and oven-dried glassware were used for synthetic transformations sensitive to moisture and/or oxygen. Yields were not optimized. Reaction times are approximate and were not optimized. Column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) were performed on silica gel unless otherwise noted. Spectra are given in ppm (δ) and coupling constants, J are reported in Hertz. For proton spectra the solvent peak was used as the reference peak.

Example 1 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A: 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-chloro-4-pyridinenitrile (300 mg, 2.16 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was added N-methyl-4-(tributylstannyl)imidazole (964 mg, 2.6 mmol), followed by tetrakistriphenyl-phosphine palladium (0) (150 mg, 0.13 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 120° C. in a microwave initiator for 1 hr. The mixture was cooled down to r.t, solid filtered and dried to give 250 mg of 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile as a white solid. Filtrate was purified by flash column chromatography (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH=20/1) to give additional 100 mg of the product (total 350 mg, 88%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.73 (3H, s), 7.59 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.09 (1H, s), 8.72 (1H, d, J=5 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₀H₈N₄, 185; Found, 185.

B: 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

A solution of 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (50 mg, 0.3 mmol) in EtOH (2 mL) was treated with 10N NaOH (0.5 ml) and stirred at 90° C. for 2 hrs. The reaction mixture was purified by prep-HPLC to afford the title compound (22 mg, 40%) as light pink solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.72 (3H, s), 7.57 (1H, d, J=5 Hz), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.76 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₀H₉N₃O₂, 204; Found, 204.

Example 2 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A: 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (100 mg, 0.54 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added N-bromosuccinimide (102 mg, 0.57 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 3 hrs. It was then purified by flash column chromatography (EtOAc/Hexane) to afford 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (140 mg, quantitative yield) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.67 (3H, s), 7.70 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.04 (1H, s), 8.19 (1H, s), 8.81 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₀H₇BrN₄, 264; Found, 263, 265.

B. 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 28% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.66 (3H, s), 7.65 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 8.01 (1H, s), 8.37 (1H, s), 8.72 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₀H₈BrN₃O₂, 283; Found, 282, 284.

Example 3 2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

To a microwave vessel was added 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (79 mg, 0.3 mmol), 3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl boronic acid (55 mg, 0.36 mmol), PdCl₂(dppf) (22 mg, 0.03 mmol), 2M Na₂CO₃ (0.3 mL, 0.6 mmol) in 2 mL dioxane. The reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 120° C. for 1 hr. It was then purified by ISCO flash column (MeOH/DCM=0-5%) to give 60 mg product (69%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.11 (3H, s), 3.46 (3H, s), 6.71 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 6.75 (1H, s), 7.12 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz), 7.52 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 7.85 (1H, s), 8.06 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, d, J=5 Hz), 9.36 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₄O, 291; Found, 291.

B. 2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 28% yield from 2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.11 (3H, s), 3.44 (3H, s), 6.67 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz), 6.71 (1H, s), 7.07 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz), 7.48 (1H, s), 8.06 (1H, s), 8.11 (1H, s), 8.43 (1H, d, J=3.3 Hz), 9.33 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅N₃O₃, 310; Found, 310.

Example 4 2-[1-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 54% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and p-tolylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₄, 275; Found, 275.

B. 2-[1-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield (two steps) from 2-[1-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.30 (3H, s), 3.40 (3H, s), 7.16-7.24 (4H, m), 7.41 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 7.76 (1H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅N₃O₂, 294; Found, 294.

Example 5 2-[5-(4-ethylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-ethylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 90% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-ethylphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆N₄, 289; Found, 289.

B. 2-[5-(4-ethylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 25% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-ethylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.17 (3H, t, J=7.6 Hz), 2.62 (2H, q, J=7.6 Hz), 3.41 (3H, s), 7.19-7.27 (4H, m), 7.41 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 7.77 (1H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.31 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₃O₂, 308; Found, 308.

Example 6 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 93% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₁F₃N₄, 329; Found, 329.

B. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 20% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.46 (3H, s), 7.60 (2H, d&s, J=8 Hz), 7.72 (2H, d&s, J=8.2 Hz), 7.86 (1H, s), 8.29 (1H, s), 8.31 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₂N₃F₃O₂, 348; Found, 348.

Example 7 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-cyclopropylphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆N₄, 301; Found, 301.

B. 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 24% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.75 (2H, m), 1.02 (2H, m), 1.99 (1H, m), 3.52 (3H, s), 7.17 (2H, d&s, J=7.8 Hz), 7.31 (2H, d&s, J=8.1 Hz), 7.55 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 8.13 (2H, s), 8.50 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇N₃O₂, 320; Found, 320.

Example 8 methyl 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylate

To a mixture of 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid (26 mg, 0.08 mmol, Example 7) in MeOH (5 mL) was added 3 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 1 hr. It was then concentrated, separated between water and ethyl acetate. Organic layer dried and concentrated to give the title compound as light pink solid (25 mg, 94%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.77 (2H, m), 1.02 (2H, m), 2.02 (1H, m), 3.54 (3H, s), 3.85 (3H, s), 7.22 (2H, d&s, J=7.8 Hz), 7.36 (2H, d&s, J=8.1 Hz), 7.64 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz), 7.98 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉N₃O₂, 334; Found, 334.

Example 9 2-[5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-tert-butylphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₀N₄, 317. Found, 317.

B. 2-[5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.33 (9H, s), 3.48 (3H, s), 7.34 (2H, d&s, J=8.1 Hz), 7.44 (2H, d&s, J=8.1 Hz), 7.48 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.26 (2H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₁N₃O₂, 336; Found, 336.

Example 10 2-{1-methyl-5-[3-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 3-[4-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl]-N-methylbenzamide

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 3-(N-methylaminocarbonyl)phenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₅N₅O, 318; Found, 318.

B. 2-{1-methyl-5-[3-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 26% yield (two steps) from 3-[4-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl]-N-methylbenzamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.78 (3H, d, J=4.5 Hz), 3.67 (3H, s), 7.66 (3H, m), 7.86 (1H, s), 7.99 (1H, s), 8.04 (1H, d, J=7.1 Hz), 8.60 (1H, s), 8.66 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆N₄O₃, 337. Found, 337.

Example 11 2-{5-[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{5-[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 3-hydroxymethylphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₄O, 291; Found, 291.

B. 2-{5-[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 32% yield (two steps) from 2-{5-[3-(hydroxyl-methyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.70 (3H, s), 4.58 (2H, s), 7.14-7.51 (4H, m), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.76 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz), 8.77 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 9.17 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅N₃O₃, 310. Found, 310.

Example 12 2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-methoxyphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₄O, 291; Found, 291.

B. 2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 24% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.59 (3H, s), 3.90 (3H, s), 7.15 (2H, d&s, J=8.5 Hz), 7.49 (2H, d&s, J=8.6 Hz), 7.74 (2H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 8.77 (1H, s).

Example 13 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₁F₃N₄O, 345; Found, 345.

B. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 24% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.51 (3H, s), 7.42 (2H, d&s, J=8.5 Hz), 7.51 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 7.58 (2H, d &s, J=8.4 Hz), 7.90 (1H, s), 8.33 (1H, s), 8.38 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₂F₃N₃O₃, 364. Found, 364.

Example 14 2-[5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-ethoxyphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆N₄O, 305; Found, 305.

B. 2-[5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 34% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.38 (3H, t, J=6.9 Hz), 3.59 (3H, s), 4.12 (2H, q, J=6.9 Hz), 7.12 (2H, d&s, J=8.3 Hz), 7.47 (2H, d&s, J=8.2 Hz), 7.73 (2H, d, J=4.3 Hz), 8.76 (1H, s), 9.01 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₃O₃, 324; Found, 324.

Example 15 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-pyrazol-1-yl-phenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₄N₆, 327; Found, 327.

B. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 31% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.53 (3H, s), 6.58 (1H, t, J=2.3 Hz), 7.46 (1H, d, J=1.5 Hz), 7.53 (2H, d&s, J=8.6 Hz), 7.78 (1H, s), 7.86 (1H, s), 7.89 (2H, d&s, J=8.6 Hz), 8.30 (2H, s), 8.58 (1H, d, J=2.4 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₅N₅O₂, 346. Found, 346.

Example 16 2-{5-[4-(cyclopropylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{5-[4-(cyclopropylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-(cyclopropylmethoxy)phenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₈N₄O, 331; Found, 331.

B. 2-{5-[4-(cyclopropylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 31% yield (two steps) from 2-{5-[4-(cyclopropyl-methoxy)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.34 (2H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 0.58 (2H, d, J=5.8 Hz), 1.22 (1H, m), 3.46 (3H, s), 3.86 (2H, d, J=7.0 Hz), 6.95 (2H, d&s, J=8.6 Hz), 7.30 (2H, d&s, J=8.7 Hz), 7.45 (1H, s), 7.80 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.31 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉N₃O₃, 350; Found, 350.

Example 17 2-(5-{4-[1-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-(5-{4-[1-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-(1-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl)phenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₈N₄O, 331; Found, 331.

B. 2-(5-{4-[1-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 27% yield (two steps) from 2-(5-{4-[1-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.80 (2H, m), 0.88 (2H, m), 3.42 (3H, s), 3.55 (2H, s), 7.31 (4H, m), 7.44 (1H, d&d, J=1.2 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.24 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉N₃O₃, 350; Found, 350.

Example 18 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-pyrrolidinophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉N₅, 330; Found, 330.

B. 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 50% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.97 (4H, m), 3.29 (4H, m), 3.45 (3H, s), 6.56 (2H, d&s, J=8.5 Hz), 7.18 (2H, d&s, J=8.5 Hz), 7.44 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 7.77 (1H, s), 8.22 (1H, s), 8.34 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₀N₄O₂, 349; Found, 349.

Example 19 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chlorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁ClN₄, 296; Found, 295, 297.

B. 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 30% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.49 (3H, s), 7.45 (5H, m), 7.85 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.27 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂ClN₃O₂, 315; Found, 314, 316.

Example 20 2-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 3-chlorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁ClN₄, 296; Found, 295, 297.

B. 2-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 26% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.51 (3H, s), 7.37 (1H, m), 7.44 (3H, m), 7.51 (1H, s), 7.86 (1H, s), 8.24 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.28 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂ClN₃O₂, 315; Found, 314, 316.

Example 21 2-[5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-(dihydroxyborophenyl)acetylene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₂N₄, 285; Found, 285.

B. 2-[5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 6% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.42 (3H, s), 3.70 (1H, s), 4.25 (1H, s), 7.41 (2H, d&s, J=8.3 Hz), 7.50 (2H, d&s, J=8.0 Hz), 7.65 (1H, m), 7.83 (1H, s), 8.21 (2H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₃N₃O₂, 304; Found, 304.

Example 22 2-[5-(1H-indol-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(1H-indol-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 6-indolylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₃N₅, 300. Found, 300.

B. 2-[5-(1H-indol-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 20% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(1H-indol-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.42 (3H, s), 6.47 (1H, s), 6.97 (1H, dd, J=1.3 Hz and 8.2 Hz), 7.41 (3H, m), 7.56 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.24 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄N₄O₂, 319; Found, 319.

Example 23 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁FN₄, 279. Found, 279.

B. 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 23% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.48 (3H, s), 7.25 (2H, m), 7.47 (3H, m), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.26 (2H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂FN₃O₂, 298; Found, 298.

Example 24 2-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 3-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁FN₄, 279; Found, 279.

B. 2-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 34% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.51 (3H, s), 7.23-7.31 (3H, m), 7.46-7.49 (2H, m), 7.87 (1H, s), 8.29-8.32 (2H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂FN₃O₂, 298; Found, 298.

Example 25 2-(5-{4-[1-(methoxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-(5-{4-[1-(methoxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-(5-{4-[1-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (30 mg, 0.09 mmol; Example 17, part A) in anhydrous DMF (2 mL) at 0° C. was added 60% NaH (6 mg, 0.136 mmol). After stirring for 10 minutes, MeI (10 μL, 0.136 mml) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed up to r.t. and stirred for 3 hr. It was then purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (MeOH/DCM=0-5%) to give the title product which was used for next step. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₂₀N₄O, 345. Found, 345.

B. 2-(5-{4-[1-(methoxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 15% yield (two steps) from 2-(5-{4-[1-(methoxy-methyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.90 (4H, s), 3.26 (3H, s), 3.42 (3H, s), 3.52 (2H, s), 7.29 (4H, m), 7.41 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.78 (1H, s), 8.18 (2H, d&s, J=5.9 Hz), 8.38 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₂₁N₃O₃, 364; Found, 364.

Example 26 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-2-methylphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃ClN₄, 310; Found, 309, 311.

B. 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 3% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄ClN₃O₂, 329; Found, 328, 330.

Example 27 2-{5-[4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{5-[4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-2-trifluoromethylphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₀ClF₃N₄, 364; Found, 363, 365.

B. 2-{5-[4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 2% yield (two steps) from 2-{5-[4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₁ClF₃N₃O₂, 383; Found, 382, 384.

Example 28 2-[5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 3,4-dichlorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₀Cl₂N₄, 330; Found, 329, 331.

B. 2-[5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 12% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.53 (3H, s), 7.43 (1H, dd, J=2.0 Hz and 8.3 Hz), 7.52 (1H, dd, J=1.8 Hz and 5.0 Hz), 7.69 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.76 (1H, d, J=2.0 Hz), 7.90 (1H, s), 8.35 (1H, s), 8.38 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁Cl₂N₃O₂, 349; Found, 348, 350.

Example 29 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-3-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₀ClFN₄, 314; Found, 313, 315.

B. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 3% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.57 (3H, s), 7.27 (1H, dd, J=8.7 Hz), 7.42 (1H, dd, J=4.2 Hz), 7.53 (1H, dd, J=8.8 Hz), 7.59 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.85 (1H, s), 8.20 (1H, m), 8.28 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁ClFN₃O₂, 333. Found, 332, 334.

Example 30 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-3-methoxyphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃ClN₄O, 326; Found, 325, 327.

B. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 8% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.53 (3H, s), 3.82 (3H, s), 7.00 (1H, dd, J=1.7 Hz and 8.3 Hz), 7.25 (1H, dd, J=1.8 Hz), 7.45 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.50 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 7.87 (1H, s), 8.32 (1H, s), 8.39 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄ClN₃O₃, 345; Found, 344, 346.

Example 31 2-{5-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{5-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl} pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₀ClF₃N₄, 364; Found, 363, 365.

B. 2-{5-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 5% yield (two steps) from 2-{5-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.55 (3H, s), 7.49 (1H, d, J=4.3 Hz), 7.78 (2H, s), 7.91 (1H, s), 7.96 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz), 8.35 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₁ClF₃N₃O₂, 383; Found, 382, 384.

Example 32 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl] pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-2-ethoxyphenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₅ClN₄O, 340; Found, 339, 341.

B. 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 2% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.96 (3H, t, J=6.9 Hz), 3.48 (3H, s), 3.86 (1H, m), 4.02 (1H, m), 7.04 (1H, dd, J=2.0 Hz and 8.1 Hz), 7.14 (1H, d, J=1.8 Hz), 7.27 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.44 (1H, d, J=5.6 Hz), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.28 (2H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆ClN₃O₃, 359; Found, 358, 360.

Example 33 2-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 2,4-dichlorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₀Cl₂N₄, 330. Found, 329, 331.

B. 2-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 2% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.41 (3H, s), 7.44 (1H, m), 7.49 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz), 7.51 (1H, dd, J=1.8 Hz and 8.0 Hz), 7.76 (1H, d, J=1.6 Hz), 7.90 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, m), 8.33 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁Cl₂N₃O₂, 349. Found, 348, 350.

Example 34 2-(1-methyl-5-{4-[1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-[4-[1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl]-1,3,2-dioxaborolane

To a solution of 1-bromo-4-(1-trifluoromethyl-cyclopropyl)benzene (265 mg, 1 mmol) in 10 mL of dioxane, was added bis(pinacolato)diboron (305 mg, 1.2 mmol), PdCl₂(dppf) (40 mg, 0.05 mmol) and potassium acetate (294 mg, 3 mmol). The reaction mixture was degassed and heated at 90° C. under nitrogen for 18 hrs. The crude mixture was purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (EtOAc/Hexane=0-50%) to give the title compound as white solid (250 mg, 80%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.03 (4H, m), 1.31 (12 H, s), 7.48 (2H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.79 (2H, d, J=8.1 Hz).

A. 2-(1-methyl-5-{4-[1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-[4-[1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl]-1,3,2-dioxaborolane according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₅F₃N₄, 369. Found, 369.

B. 2-(1-methyl-5-{4-[1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 34% yield (two steps) from 2-(1-methyl-5-{4-[1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.19 (2H, m), 1.38 (2H, m), 3.51 (3H, s), 7.44-7.51 (5H, m), 7.85 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₆F₃N₃O₂, 388. Found, 388.

Example 35 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile Step 1: 2-[1-(triphenylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 77% yield from 2-chloro-4-pyridinenitrile and 4-(tributylstannyl)-1-tritylimidazole according to the procedure for Example 1, part A. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.17 (5H, m), 7.40-7.47 (10 H, m), 7.49 (1H, d, J=1.2 Hz), 7.62 (1H, d, J=1.3 Hz), 7.65 (1H, dd, J=1.5 Hz and 5.0 Hz), 8.13 (1H, s), 8.67 (1H, d, 5.0 Hz).

Step 2: 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile

A solution of 2-[1-(triphenylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (510 mg, 1.2 mmol) in acetic acid (10 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 18 hr. Reaction mixture was purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (EtOAc/Hexane=0-100%) to get 130 mg of product. Some starting material was recovered and heated in acetic acid again overnight at 90° C. Additional product was obtained to give total 160 mg product as light yellow solid (78%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.62 (1H, dd, J=1.2 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.81 (2H, s), 8.13 (1H, s), 8.73 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₉H₆N₄, 171. Found, 171.

A. 2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile

A solution of 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (90 mg, 0.53 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (2 mL) was cooled in an ice-water bath. Sodium hydride (60%, 32 mg, 0.8 mmol) was added carefully at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes, after which 1-bromo-propane (73 μL, 0.8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed up to r.t. and stirred for 1 hr and it was then purified by ISCO flash column (MeOH/DCM=0-5%). 80 mg title compound was obtained as white solid (71%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₂H₁₂N₄, 213. Found, 213.

B. 2-(5-bromo-1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 62% yield from 2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure in Example 2. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.88 (3H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 1.76 (2H, q, J=7.3 Hz and 7.2 Hz), 4.02 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.71 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 5.0 Hz), 8.08 (1H, s), 8.20 (1H, s), 8.81 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₂H₁₁BrN₄, 292. Found, 291, 293.

C. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro3-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄ClFN₄, 342. Found, 341, 343.

D. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 37% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.72 (3H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 1.48 (2H, q, J=7.4 Hz and 7.2 Hz), 3.85 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.26 (1H, dd, J=1.3 Hz and 8.2 Hz), 7.46 (1H, dd, J=1.2 Hz and 6.2 Hz), 7.52 (1H, dd, J=1.7 Hz and 10.2 Hz), 7.64 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.92 (1H, s), 8.24 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.31 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₅ClFN₃O₂, 361. Found, 360, 362.

Example 36 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 1-bromo-3-methoxypropane according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 35, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₄N₄O, 243. Found, 243.

B. 2-[5-bromo-1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 83% yield (two steps) from 2-[1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure in Example 2. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₃BrN₄O, 322. Found, 321, 323.

C. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-[5-bromo-1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro3-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆ClFN₄O, 372. Found, 371, 373.

D. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 15% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.73 (2H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 3.16 (3H, s), 3.21 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 3.93 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.25 (1H, dd, J=8.2 Hz), 7.44 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz), 7.50 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 9.0 Hz), 7.63 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.89 (1H, s), 8.18 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 8.28 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇ClFN₃O₃, 391. Found, 390, 392.

Example 37 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 2-bromo-ethylmethylether according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 35, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₂H₁₂N₄O, 229. Found, 229.

B. 2-[5-bromo-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 54% yield (two steps) from 2-[1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure in Example 2. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₂H₁₁BrN₄O, 308. Found, 307, 309.

C. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-[5-bromo-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-3-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄ClFN₄O, 358. Found, 357, 359.

D. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 42% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.19 (3H, s), 3.43 (2H, t, J=5.2 Hz), 4.01 (2H, t, J=5.2 Hz), 7.24 (1H, dd, J=8.0 Hz), 7.41 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz), 7.50 (1H, dd, J=1.6 Hz and 10.3 Hz), 7.62 (1H, t, J=8.2 Hz), 7.88 (1H, s), 8.15 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.24 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₅ClFN₃O₃, 377. Found, 376, 378.

Example 38 2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl-methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 23% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate and 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.18 (3H, s), 2.69 (2H, t, J=6 Hz), 3.51 (2H, s), 4.00 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.15 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 7.03 (2H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 7.20 (2H, dd, J=8.7 Hz and 2.8 Hz), 7.52 (1H, s), 7.72 (1H, d, J=1.7 Hz), 7.78 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, d, J=4.3 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₉FN₄O₂, 355. Found, 355.

Example 39 2-{5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-(5-bromo-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 91% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure in Example 2. [M+H] Calc'd for C₉H₅BrN₄, 250. Found, 249, 251.

B. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-3-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₈ClFN₄, 300. Found, 299, 301.

C. 2-{5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (see above) and dimethylaminomethyl bromide hydrogen bromide salt according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 35, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇ClFN₅, 371. Found, 370, 372.

D. 2-{5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 6% yield (two steps) from 2-{5-(4-chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.03 (6H, s), 2.33 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 3.93 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 7.24 (1H, dd, J=10.2 Hz), 7.37 (1H, dd, J=1.5 Hz and 5.02 Hz), 7.51 (1H, dd, J=1.9 Hz and 10.6 Hz), 7.62 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.89 (1H, s), 8.11 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 8.21 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₈ClFN₄O₂, 390. Found, 389, 391.

Example 40 2-{1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and dimethylaminomethyl bromide hydrogen bromide salt according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 35, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₅N₅, 242. Found, 242.

B. 2-{1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 45% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.20 (6H, s), 2.58 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.08 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 7.44 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 4.8 Hz), 7.69 (2H, 2s), 8.20 (1H, s), 8.36 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₆N₄O₂, 261. Found, 261.

Example 41 2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (Example 35A) according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.85 (3H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 1.77 (2H, q, J=7.2 Hz), 3.97 (2H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 7.53 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.73 (2H, 2s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.47 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₂H₁₃N₃O₂, 232. Found, 232.

Example 42 2-{1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and (3-bromopropyl)dimethylamine hydrogen bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 35, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₄H₁₇N₅, 256. Found, 256.

B. 2-{1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 21% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[3-(dimethyl-amino)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.90 (2H, m), 2.12 (6H, s), 2.16 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz), 4.02 (2H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 7.45 (1H, dd, J=1.6 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.68 (2H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.37 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₄H₁₈N₄O₂, 275. Found, 275.

Example 43 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

A mixture of 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (20 mg, 0.12 mmol), 1-(2-chloroethyl)pyrrolidine hydrogen chloride (34 mg, 0.2 mmol) and cesium carbonate (130 mg, 0.4 mmol) in 2 mL DMF was heated at 90° C. for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (MeOH/DCM=0-100%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₇N₅, 268. Found, 268.

B. 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 30% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.66 (4H, m), 2.50 (4H, m), 2.78 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 4.11 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 7.45 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.70 (2H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.37 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₈N₄O₂, 287. Found, 287.

Example 44 methyl 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylate methyl 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate A. methyl 2-[1-(triphenylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared from methyl 2-chloropyridine-4-carboxylate and 4-(tributylstannyl)-1-tritylimidazole according to the procedure for Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.92 (3H, s), 7.16 (5H, m), 7.38-7.46 (11H, m), 7.60 (1H, d, J=1.3 Hz), 7.64 (1H, dd, J=1.6 Hz and 5.0 Hz), 8.32 (1H, s), 8.64 (1H, d, 5.0 Hz).

B. methyl 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared in 44% yield (two steps) from methyl 2-[1-(triphenyl-methyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate according to the procedure for 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile in Example 35. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₀H₉N₃O₂, 204. Found, 204.

C. methyl 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylate

A mixture of methyl 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (20 mg, 0.10 mmol), 1-(2-chloroethyl)pyrrolidine hydrogen chloride (34 mg, 0.2 mmol) and cesium carbonate (130 mg, 0.4 mmol) in 2 mL DMF was heated at 120° C. for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (MeOH/DCM=0-100%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.77 (4H, m), 2.67 (4H, m), 2.74 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 3.92 (3H, s), 4.17 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 7.62 (1H, dd, J=1.3 Hz and 5.0 Hz), 7.79 (1H, s), 7.87 (1H, s), 8.30 (1H, s), 8.69 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₂₀N₄O₂, 301. Found, 301.

Example 45 2-{1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-(2-chloroethyl)morpholine hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₇N₅O, 284. Found, 284.

B. 2-{1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 74% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.66 (4H, m), 2.50 (4H, m), 2.78 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 4.11 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 7.55 (1H, dd, J=1.6 Hz and 5.0 Hz), 7.78 (1H, s), 7.85 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.58 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₈N₄O₃, 303. Found, 303.

Example 46 2-{1-[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-(2-chloroethyl)-1H-pyrazole according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₄H₁₂N₆, 265. Found, 265.

B. 2-{1-[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 47% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 4.51 (4H, dd, J=5.7 Hz and 16.6 Hz), 6.19 (1H, s), 7.40 (1H, s), 7.48 (1H, d), 7.53 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz), 7.61 (1H, s), 7.95 (1H, s), 8.19 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, d, J=2.5 Hz), 8.42 (1H, s), 8.57 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₄H₁₃N₅O₂, 284. Found, 284.

Example 47 2-[1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 2-(chloroethyl)pyridine hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₁N₅, 262. Found, 262.

B. 2-[1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 60% yield (two steps) from 2-[1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 5.36 (2H, s), 7.29 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.34 (1H, m), 7.49 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.82 (1H, dd, J=1.3 Hz and 7.7 Hz), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.39 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.57 (1H, dd, J=0.72 Hz and 4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₂N₄O₂, 281. Found, 281.

Example 48 2-(1-{2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and bis(2-chloroethyl)ether according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₃ClN₄O, 278. Found, 277, 279.

B. 2-(1-{2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-{1-[2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile obtained from part A in 2 mL of THF was added N,N-dimethylamine hydrogen chloride (121 mg, 1.5 mmol), potassium carbonate (276 mg, 2 mmol) and potassium iodide (66 mg, 0.4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred in a sealed tube at 90° C. for 18 hr. After which, it was purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (MeOH/DCM=0-100%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₉N₅O, 286. Found, 286.

C. 2-(1-{2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 20% yield (three steps) from 2-(1-{2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.16 (6H, s), 2.37 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 3.48 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 3.70 (2H, t, J=5.1 Hz), 4.16 (2H, t, J=5.2 Hz), 7.44 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.68 (1H, s), 7.70 (1H, s), 8.20 (1H, s), 8.36 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₂₀N₄O₃, 305. Found, 305.

Example 49 2-[1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-chloro-1-methylpiperidine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₇N₅, 268. Found, 268.

B. 2-[1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 14% yield (two steps) from 2-[1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.91-2.08 (4H, m), 2.20 (3H, s), 2.59 (2H, m), 2.85 (2H, m), 4.06 (1H, m), 7.44 (1H, dd, J=4.8 Hz), 7.73 (1H, s), 7.80 (1H, s), 8.20 (1H, s), 8.36 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₈N₄O₂, 287. Found, 287.

Example 50 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 4-bromomethyl-1-methylpiperidine hydrogen bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120°). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₉N₅, 282. Found, 282.

B. 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 28% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.81 (2H, m), 1.92 (2H, m), 2.07 (2H, m), 2.21 (3H, s), 2.37 (1H, m), 2.54 (2H, m), 3.98 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.45 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.69 (1H, s), 7.71 (1H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.37 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₂₀N₄O₂, 301. Found, 301.

Example 51 2-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and tetrahydrofurfuryl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120°). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₄H₁₄N₄O, 255. Found, 255.

B. 2-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 27% yield (two steps) from 2-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.53 (1H, m), 1.57 (2H, m), 1.92 (1H, m), 3.66 (1H, m), 3.79 (1H, m), 4.00 (1H, m), 4.10 (2H, m), 7.41 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 7.69 (1H, s), 7.71 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.44 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₄H₁₅N₃O₃, 274. Found, 274.

Example 52 2-[1-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. tert-butyl 3-[4-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 1-boc-3-bromopyrrolidine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120° C.). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₂₁N₅O₂, 340. Found, 340.

B. 2-[1-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The above obtained cpd (tert-butyl 3-[4-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate) was first treated with 10N NaOH/EtOH (0.5 mL/2 mL) at 90° C. for 1 hr to give the acid intermediate. After purification on ISCO flash column chromatography (MeOH/DCM=0-100%), the product was dissolved in MeOH and treated with HCl in dioxane to give the title cpd which after purification on flash column as light pink solid (5 mg, 16% in two steps). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.35 (2H, m), 3.47 (2H, m), 3.72 (2H, m), 5.10 (1H, m), 7.76 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 8.36 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, br s), 8.78 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 9.51 (1H, br s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₄N₄O₂, 259. Found, 259.

Example 53 2-[1-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. tert-butyl 2-{[4-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and tert-butyl-2-(bromomethyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120°). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₂₃N₅O₂, 354. Found, 354.

B. 2-[1-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 49% yield from tert-butyl 2-{[4-(4-cyano-pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 52, part B. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.81 (2H, m), 1.92 (2H, m), 2.07 (2H, m), 2.21 (3H, s), 2.37 (1H, m), 2.54 (2H, m), 3.98 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.86 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 8.39 (1H, s), 8.61 (1H, s), 8.86 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 9.20 (1H, br s), 9.73 (1H, br s), 10.04 (1H, br s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₄H₁₆N₄O₂, 273. Found, 273.

Example 54 2-{1-[(4-methylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[(4-methylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 2-(chloromethyl)-4-methylmorpholine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120° C.). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₇N₅O, 284. Found, 284.

B. 2-{1-[(4-methylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 47% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[(4-methyl-morpholin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.69 (1H, t, J=10.6 Hz), 1.95 (1H, dt, J=3.2 Hz and 11.3 Hz), 2.55 (1H, m), 2.66 (1H, d, J=11.0 Hz), 3.45 (3H, s), 3.48 (1H, dt, J=2.2 Hz and 11.1 Hz), 3.73 (1H, m), 3.80 (1H, d, J=10.6 Hz), 4.02 (2H, m), 7.46 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.65 (2H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.37 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₈N₄O₃, 303. Found, 303.

Example 55 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 3-chloromethyl-methyl piperidine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120°). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₉N₅, 282. Found, 282.

B. 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 42% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[(1-methyl-piperidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.92 (1H, m), 1.40-1.88 (5 H, m), 1.91 (1H, m), 1.96 (1H, m), 2.11 (1H, m), 2.16 (3H, s), 3.92 (2H, d, J=7.3 Hz), 7.46 (1H, dd, J=1.4 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.65 (1H, d, J=1.1 Hz), 7.67 (1H, d, J=1.1 Hz), 8.22 (1H, s), 8.37 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₂₀N₄O₂, 301. Found, 301.

Example 56 methyl 2-(1-{2-[benzyl(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylate methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylate A. 5-bromo-1H-imidazole

To a solution of imidazole (30 g, 0.44 mol) in chloroform (180 mL) was added bromine (69 g, 500 mmol) in chloroform (50 mL) dropwise at room temperature. Then the mixture was stirred for 1 h. The mixture was filtered and the solids suspended in water and stirred for 30 min. The suspension was filtered and the beige solid was dried to give 22 g of an off white solid.

B. 1,1′,1″-[(2-bromoethoxy)methanetriyl]tribenzene

2-Bromo-ethanol (6.3 g, 5.0 mmol), Et₃N (10 mL, 72 mmol) and trityl chloride (14.6 g, 52.5 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (hexane/EtOAc, 4:1) to give the title product (12 g).

C. 4-bromo-1-[2-(trityloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazole

To a solution of 5-bromo-1H-imidazole as prepared in part A (2.2 g, 15 mmol) in DMF (22 mL) at 0° C. was added NaH (658 mg, 60% dispersion, 2.42 mmol) in small portions. The resulting solution was allowed to warm to r.t. and then stirred for 1 hr. The solution was cooled to 0° C. and 1,1′,1″-[(2-bromoethoxy)methanetriyl]tribenzene (5.5 g, 15 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added drop-wise. The resulting solution was allowed to warm to r.t. where stirring continued until the reaction was judged complete by TLC (16 hr). The suspension was diluted with water and extracted with DCM (2×50 mL). The organics were dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated to a solid that was recrystallized (EtOAc/Hex) to give 4.47 g of the title compound (69%).

D. 4-tri-n-butyltin-1-[2-(trityloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazole

Bis(tributyltin) (13.93 g, 24 mmol), triphenylphosphine (314 mg, 1.2 mmol), sodium carbonate (1.27 g, 12 mmol), and palladium acetate (134 mg, 0.6 mmol) were added to a solution of 4-bromo-1-[2-(trityloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazole (5.2 g, 12 mmol) in DMF/Toluene (1:1, 50 mL). The suspension was degassed with argon for 10 minutes and then heated to 100° C. in a sealed glass vessel for 15 hrs. The dark green solution was cooled to r.t. and filtered through a pad of celite; washing with EtOAc. The filtrate was diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The organics were washed with water (2×100 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered, concentrated, and chromatographed on silica gel (EtOAc:Hex, 1:1) to give the title compound (5.2 g) as a thick oil. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.9-1.7 (27H, m), 3.34 (2H, t, J=5 Hz), 4.08 (2H, t, J=5 Hz), 7.19-7.31 (15H, m).

E. methyl 2-{1-[2-(tritylloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylate

To a solution of methyl 2-chloro-4-pyridinecarboxylate (934 mg, 5.43 mmol) and 4-tri-n-butyltin-1-[2-(trityloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazole (3.5 g, 5.43 mmol) in toluene (30 mL) was added tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (314 mg, 0.27 mmol). The solution was degassed with argon for 5 min and sealed in a high pressure glass tube equipped with a stir bar. The tube was immersed in a preheated oil bath (115° C.). The solution was stirred for 7 hrs and cooled to r.t. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (EtOAc:Hex, 1:1) to give the title compound (2.07 g) as a thick oil which crystallized to a white solid on standing at r.t.

F. methyl 2-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

To a solution of methyl 2-{1-[2-(tritylloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylate (2 g, 4.1 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was added 2N HCl (10 mL). The solution was stirred at r.t. for 3 hrs, diluted with water (100 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The organics were washed with NaHCO₃ (5% solution, 50 mL), and brine (50 mL). The organics were then dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated to a white solid which was triturated with ether/hexanes (10:90) to give the title compound (700 mg).

G. methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate

To a 0° C. solution of methyl 2-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate (500 mg, 2 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added TEA (255 mg, 2.5 mmol) followed by drop-wise addition of a solution of methanesulfonyl chloride (255 mg, 2.22 mmol) in DCM (2 mL). The solution was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hr and then allowed to warm to r.t. where stirring was continued for 1 hr. MeOH (1 mL) was then added and stirring was continued for 30 min. The solution was diluted with DCM (50 mL), washed with water (50 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated to give the title compound as an oily residue (649 mg).

H. methyl 2-(1-{2-[benzyl(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate

A solution of methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (150 mg, 0.46 mmol) and N-methylbenzylamine (558 mg, 4.6 mmol) in toluene (8 mL) was heated at 110° C. in a sealed tube for 7 hrs. The solution was concentrated to an oily residue and chromatographed on silica gel (EtOAc/Hex, 1:1) to give the title compound (118 mg) as an amber oil: ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 2.28 (3H, s), 2.78 (2H, t, J=4.2 Hz), 3.61 (2H, s), 3.94 (3H, s), 4.03 (2H, t, J=4.2 Hz), 7.19-7.27 (5H, m), 7.58 (1H, s), 7.61 (1H, s), 7.64 (1H, m), 8.47 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂, 351. Found, 351.

Example 57 2-(1-{2-[benzyl(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

To a solution of methyl 2-(1-{2-[benzyl(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (100 mg, 0.26 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added 10 N NaOH solution (1 g). The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 1 hr and then cooled to r.t. The pH was carefully adjusted to 6.5 and the resulting mixture was concentrated to a residue. The residue was diluted with MeOH (10 mL) and filtered. The solids were washed with additional MeOH (10 mL). The filtrate was concentrated to an oily residue and chromatographed on silica gel (90% MeOH, 10% pH 7 buffer [potassium phosphate based] to give an amber oil. This oil was then chromatographed on reverse phase C18 silica gel [40-63 microns (mesh 230-400); 60 Å; 500 m2/g; pore volume 0.8 ml/g] using 80% MeOH/10% DI H₂O to give the title compound (28 mg) as a beige solid: ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.18 (3H, s), 2.69 (2H, m), 3.51 (2H, m), 4.18 (2H, m), 7.17-7.23 (5H, m), 7.58 (1H, s), 7.73 (2H, m), 8.34 (1H, s), 8.54 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₂₀N₄O₂, 337. Found, 337.

Example 58 2-(1-{2-[methyl(phenyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

A solution of methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (100 mg, 0.31 mmol) and N-methylaniline (328 mg, 3.1 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) was heated at 110° C. in a sealed tube for 36 hrs. The solution was concentrated to an oily residue which was dissolved in MeOH (5 mL). To this solution was added 10 N NaOH solution (1 g). The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 1 hr and then cooled to RT. The pH was carefully adjusted to 7 whereupon a precipitate formed. The solid was filtered and dried to give the title compound (41 mg) as an off white solid: ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 2.79 (3H, s), 3.64 (2H, t, J=4.4 Hz), 4.21 (2H, t, J=4.4 Hz), 6.62 (1H, m), 6.68 (2H, m), 7.18 (2H, m), 7.57 (1H, m), 7.66 (1H, s), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.23 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₈N₄O₂, 323. Found, 323.

Example 59 2-(1-{2-[(cyclopropylmethyl)(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

A solution of methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (100 mg, 0.31 mmol) and cyclopropylmethyl(methyl)amine (260 mg, 3.1 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) was heated at 110° C. in a sealed tube for 24 hrs. The solution was concentrated to an oily residue which was dissolved in MeOH (5 mL). To this solution was added 10 N NaOH solution (1 g). The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 1 hr and then cooled to RT. The pH was carefully adjusted to 6.5 and the resulting mixture was concentrated to a residue. The residue was diluted with MeOH (10 mL) and filtered. The solids were washed with additional MeOH (10 mL). The filtrate was concentrated to an oily residue and chromatographed on silica gel (90% MeOH, 10% pH 7 buffer [potassium phosphate based] to give a foam. The foam was then chromatographed on reverse phase C18 silica gel [40-63 microns (mesh 230-400); 60 Å; 500 m2/g; pore volume 0.8 ml/g] using 80% MeOH/10% DI H₂O to give the title compound (32 mg) as a beige solid: ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 0.29 (2H, s), 0.73 (2H, s), 1.05 (1H, m), 2.77 (5H, m), 3.51 (2H, t, J=4.2 Hz), 4.45 (2H, t, J=4.2 Hz), 7.79 (1H, s), 7.92 (2H, m), 8.43 (1H, s), 8.64 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₂₀N₄O₂, 301. Found, 301.

Example 60 2-{1-[2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120°). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₅N₅O, 282. Found, 282.

B. 2-{1-[2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 58% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.16 (2H, t, J=7.9 Hz), 2.78 (2H, t, J=6.4 Hz), 3.19 (2H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 3.56 (2H, t, J=5.6 Hz), 4.15 (2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 7.48 (1H, dd, J=1.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.69 (1H, d, J=0.9 Hz), 7.73 (1H, s), 8.23 (1H, s), 8.42 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₆N₄O₃, 301. Found, 301.

Example 61 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile and 1-(2-chloro-1-methylethyl)pyrrolidine hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A (heating to 120°). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₉N₅, 282. Found, 282.

B. 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 69% yield (two steps) from 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.93 (3H, d, J=6.4 Hz), 1.67 (4H, m), 2.59 (4H, m), 2.79 (1H, m), 4.01 (1H, dd, J=6.0 Hz and 6.1 Hz), 4.13 (1H, dd, J=5.1 Hz and 5.1 Hz), 7.52 (1H, dd, J=1.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.71 (1H, s), 7.72 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₂₀N₄O₂, 301. Found, 301.

Example 62 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

To a solution of 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (50 mg, 0.36 mmol) in 2 mL of DMF was added sodium azide (65 mg, 1 mmol) and ammonium chloride (54 mg, 1 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 90° C. for 20 hrs with vigorous stirring. It was then purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (MeOH/DCM=0-100%) to give the title compound as light pink solid (45 mg, 73%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.73 (3H, s), 7.71 (1H, dd, J=1.5 Hz and 5.1 Hz), 7.74 (2H, s), 8.46 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₀H₉N₇, 228. Found, 228.

Example 63 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 27% yield from 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4-carbonitrile (Example 43, part A) according to the procedure in Example 62. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.72 (4H, m), 2.55 (4H, m), 2.93 (2H, m), 4.18 (2H, t, J=5.4 Hz), 7.68 (1H, dd, J=1.6 Hz and 4.9 Hz), 7.77 (1H, s), 7.79 (1H, s), 8.44 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 8.45 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₈N₈, 311. Found, 311.

Example 64 N-cyano-2-(1-{2-[(cyclopropylmethyl)(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide

A mixture of 2-(1-{2-[(cyclopropylmethyl)(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid (10 mg, 0.03 mmol, Example 59), cyanamide (4 mg, 0.1 mmol), HATU (38 mg, 0.1 mmol), TEA (29 μL, 0.2 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was stirred at r.t. for 1 hr. The reaction mixture was purified by ISCO flash column chromatography (MeOH/DCM=0-50%) to give the title compound as off-white solid (6 mg, 60%). ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.43 (2H, m), 0.79 (2H, m), 1.15 (1H, m), 2.30 (5H, m), 2.76 (2H, m), 4.11 (2H, t, J=4.2 Hz), 7.29 (1H, m), 7.73 (1H, d, J=11.4 Hz), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.29 (1H, s), 8.49 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₂₀N₆O, 325. Found, 325.

Example 65 N-benzyl-2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazol-4-yl]benzamide A. N-benzyl-5-[5-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-3-methylimidazol-4-yl]-2-fluorobenzamide

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 3-(benzylcarbamoyl)-4-fluorophenyl boronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₄H₁₈FN₅O, 412. Found, 412.

B. N-benzyl-2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazole-4-yl]benzamide

The title compound was prepared in 9% yield (two steps) from N-benzyl-5-[5-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-3-methylimidazol-4-yl]-2-fluorobenzamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.54 (3H, s), 4.47 (2H, d, J=5.8 Hz), 7.24 (1H, m), 7.32 (4H, d), 7.40 (1H, t, J=9.3 Hz), 7.64 (1H, m), 7.73 (2H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 8.00 (1H, s), 8.42 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz), 8.54 (1H, s), 8.97 (1H, br s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₄H₁₉FN₈O, 455. Found, 455.

Example 66 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 57% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 3-methyl-N-methylbenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.20 (3H, s), 2.29 (3H, s), 2.68 (2H, t, J=6 Hz), 3.85 (2H, s), 4.02 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 4.15 (1H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 6.96 (1H, m), 7.11 (2H, t, J=9.0 Hz), 7.18-7.27 (2H, m), 7.51 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz), 7.74 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.47 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂, 351. Found, 351.

Example 67 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 71% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 4-methyl-N-methylbenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.33 (3H, s), 2.61 (3H, s), 2.69 (2H, t, J=6 Hz), 3.80 (2H, s), 4.00 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.13 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz), 7.23 (2H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 7.44 (1H, m), 7.51 (1H, d, J=6.9 Hz), 7.52 (1H, s), 7.73 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 8.24 (1H, m), 8.35 (1H, s), 8.76 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂, 351. Found, 351.

Example 68 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 5% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 4-trifluoromethyl-N-methylbenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.22 (3H, s), 2.73 (2H, t, J=5.8 Hz), 3.62 (2H, s), 4.16 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 7.12 (1H, m), 7.21 (1H, m), 7.38 (2H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.54 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.75 (1H, s), 8.29 (1H, s), 8.54 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉F₃N₄O₂, 405. Found, 405.

Example 69 2-[1-[2-[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl-methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 9% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.20 (3H, s), 2.71 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.02 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz), 4.16 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.39 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 6.93 (1H, d, J=9.8 Hz), 7.00 (2H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.25 (1H, m), 7.57 (1H, m), 7.74 (1H, s), 7.79 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz), 8.30 (1H, s), 8.59 (1H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₉FN₄O₂, 355. Found, 355.

Example 70 2-[1-[2-[ethyl-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 14% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 4-fluoro-N-ethylbenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.90 (3H, t, J=6.9 Hz), 2.74 (2H, t, J=6.4 Hz), 3.58 (2H, s), 4.08 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 7.03 (2H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 7.23 (2H, dd, J=7.0 Hz and 2.6 Hz), 7.43 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.66 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.35 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz), 8.54 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₁FN₄O₂, 369. Found, 369.

Example 71 2-[1-[2-[cyclopropyl-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazole-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 9% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and N-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]cyclopropylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.16 (2H, m), 0.39 (2H, m), 1.82 (1H, m), 2.87 (2H, t, J=6.4 Hz), 3.74 (2H, s), 4.10 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 7.09 (2H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 7.28 (2H, dd, J=7.1 Hz and 2.7 Hz), 7.51 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz), 7.67 (2H, d, J=1.6 Hz), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.47 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₂₁FN₄O₂, 381. Found, 381.

Example 72 2-[1-[2-[(4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and (4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)methanamine hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.13 (2H, m), 1.75 (4H, m), 1.96 (2H, m), 2.42 (2H, d, J=6.7 Hz), 2.88 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 4.06 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 7.53 (1H, dd, J=4.9 Hz), 7.73 (1H, s), 7.79 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.55 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₂₂F₂N₄O₂, 365. Found, 365.

Example 73 2-[1-[2-[(3,3-difluorocyclobutyl)methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 7% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and (4,4-difluoro-cyclobutyl)methanamine hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.24 (5H, m), 2.88 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.05 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 7.52 (1H, dd, J=4.7 Hz), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.78 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.54 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₈F₂N₄O₂, 337. Found, 337.

Example 74 2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl)methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 20% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 4-fluorobenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.86 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 3.70 (2H, s), 4.09 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 7.08 (2H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 7.33 (2H, dd, J=7.1 Hz and 2.6 Hz), 7.55 (1H, dd, J=3.2 Hz and 1.5 Hz), 7.75 (1H, d, J=1.0 Hz), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.59 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇FN₄O₂, 341. Found, 341.

Example 75 2-[1-[2-[[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 6% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.89 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 3.88 (2H, s), 4.10 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 7.42 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz), 7.50 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 7.59 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.65 (2H, d, J=8.6 Hz), 7.74 (1H, s), 7.77 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.49 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₉F₃N₄O₂, 391. Found, 391.

Example 76 2-[1-[2-(1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 15% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and isoindoline according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.10 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 3.99 (4H, s), 4.21 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 7.17-7.24 (4H, m), 7.56 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.82 (1H, s), 7.88 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.59 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₈N₄O₂, 335. Found, 335.

Example 77 2-[1-[2-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 19% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 2-methoxybenzyl-amine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.91 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 3.72 (2H, s), 3.75 (3H, s), 4.13 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 6.88 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 6.95 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.20 (1H, t, J=8.8 Hz), 7.25 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz), 7.56 (1H, dd, J=6.4 and 1.4 Hz), 7.75 (1H, s), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.59 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₂₀N₄O₃, 353. Found, 353.

Example 78 2-[1-[2-[(2-chlorophenyl)methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 8% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 2-chlorobenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.90 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 3.80 (2H, s), 4.11 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 7.23-7.27 (2H, m), 7.38 (1H, dd, J=4.5 and 1.5 Hz), 7.45 (1H, dd, J=4.6 and 2.2 Hz), 7.55 (1H, dd, J=3.2 and 1.5 Hz), 7.76 (1H, s), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.56 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇ClN₄O₂, 358. Found, 358.

Example 79 2-[1-[2-(5-fluoro-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 76% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 5-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindole according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.08 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 3.88 (2H, s), 3.92 (2H, s), 4.19 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 6.98 (1H, td, J=9.6 and 2.5 Hz), 7.08 (1H, dd, J=5.5 and 2.0 Hz), 7.24 (1H, dd, J=6.7 and 3.0 Hz), 7.52 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.80 (1H, s), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇FN₄O₂, 353. Found, 353.

Example 80 2-[1-[2-[(2-ethylphenyl)methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 87% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 2-ethylbenzylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.11 (3H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 2.61 (2H, q, J=7.6 Hz), 2.92 (2H, t, J=6.1 Hz), 3.71 (2H, s), 4.09 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 7.11-7.16 (3H, m&s), 7.27 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.44 (1H, dd, J=6.2 and 1.4 Hz), 7.69 (1H, s), 7.71 (1H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.36 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂, 351. Found, 351.

Example 81 2-[1-[2-(4-chloro-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 10% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methyl-sulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 4-chloro-isoindoline hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.15 (2H, m), 4.05 (4H, br s), 4.25 (2H, m), 7.19-7.27 (2H, m), 7.59 (1H, dd, J=4.9 Hz), 7.66 (1H, dd, J=6.7 and 3.0 Hz), 7.94 (1H, s), 8.11 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.33 (1H, s), 8.65 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇ClN₄O₂, 369. Found, 369.

Example 82 2-[1-[2-(5-chloro-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 17% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 5-chloroisoindoline hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.08 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 3.90 (2H, s), 3.92 (2H, s), 4.20 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 7.24 (2H, s), 7.31 (1H, s), 7.56 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 7.80 (1H, s), 7.88 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.61 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇ClN₄O₂, 369. Found, 369.

Example 83 2-[1-[2-(4-cyano-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 11% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 4-cyano isoindoline hydrogen chloride according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.13 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 4.03 (2H, s), 4.13 (2H, s), 4.23 (2H, t, J=4.5 Hz), 7.41 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.55 (2H, m), 7.66 (1H, d, J=5.7 Hz), 7.80 (1H, s), 7.87 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.57 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₇N₅O₂, 360. Found, 360.

Example 84 2-[1-[2-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 8% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 5-trifluoromethylisoindoline according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.12 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 4.10 (4H, s), 4.21 (2H, t, J=5.9 Hz), 7.45 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.55 (2H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.60 (1H, s), 7.81 (1H, s), 7.86 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.56 (1H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₇F₃N₄O₂, 403. Found, 403.

Example 85 2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl-cyclopropylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 8% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and (4-chlorobenzyl) cyclopropylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.17 (2H, m), 0.40 (2H, m), 1.83 (1H, m), 2.88 (2H, t, J=6.4 Hz), 3.72 (2H, s), 4.10 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 7.26 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.32 (2H, t, J=8.4 Hz), 7.45 (1H, dd, J=3.7 Hz), 7.64 (2H, d, J=4.4 Hz), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.31 (1H, s), 8.40 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₂₁ClN₄O₂, 398. Found, 398.

Example 86 2-[1-[2-[cyclopropyl-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 7% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and (3,4-dichlorobenzyl) cyclopropylamine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.14 (2H, m), 0.40 (2H, m), 1.85 (1H, m), 2.90 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 3.74 (2H, s), 4.14 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 7.21 (1H, dd, J=8.3 and 1.8 Hz), 7.45-7.56 (3H, m), 7.70 (1H, s), 7.72 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.56 (1H, d). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₂₀Cl₂N₄O₂, 432. Found, 432.

Example 87 2-[1-[2-(4-chloro-N-methylanilino)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 19% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 4-chloro-N-methylaniline according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.77 (3H, s), 3.71 (2H, t, J=6.4 Hz), 4.17 (2H, t, J=6.4 Hz), 6.71 (1H, d, J=9.0 Hz), 6.99 (1H, m), 7.15 (1H, s), 7.17 (1H, s), 7.57 (1H, m), 7.65 (1H, s), 7.78 (1H, s), 8.24 (1H, s), 8.41 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇ClN₄O₂, 358. Found, 358.

Example 88 2-[1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 17% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.76 (2H, t, J=5.5 Hz), 2.64 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 3.08 (2H, t, J=5.5 Hz), 3.62 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.20 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 6.48 (1H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 6.61 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 6.86 (1H, d, J=6.6 Hz), 6.95 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz), 7.53 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz), 7.71 (1H, s), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₀N₄O₂, 349. Found, 349.

Example 89 2-[1-[2-(6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 9% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 6-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.74 (2H, t, J=5.1 Hz), 2.64 (2H, t, J=6.5 Hz), 3.06 (2H, t, J=5.5 Hz), 3.63 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.18 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 6.62 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz), 6.92 (1H, s), 6.94 (1H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.49 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 7.69 (1H, s), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.23 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉ClN₄O₂, 384. Found, 384.

Example 90 2-[1-[2-(6-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl) oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 6-fluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.75 (2H, t, J=5.5 Hz), 2.64 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 3.06 (2H, t, J=5.4 Hz), 3.60 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.19 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 6.60 (1H, m), 6.74 (1H, s), 6.76 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 7.53 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.85 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.55 (1H, d). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉FN₄O₂, 367. Found, 367.

Example 91 2-[1-[2-(5-fluoro-2,3-dihydroindol-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 11% yield from methyl 2-(1-{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 6) and 5-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-(1H)-indole according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 58. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.88 (2H, t, J=8.4 Hz), 3.42 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz), 4.25 (2H, t, J=6.1 Hz), 6.49 (1H, m), 6.76 (1H, td, J=2.2 and 8.8 Hz), 6.89 (1H, dd, J=6.4 Hz), 7.57 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 7.83 (1H, s), 7.94 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.62 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇FN₄O₂, 353. Found, 353.

Example 92 2-[1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 48% yield from methyl 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 5) and 4-fluorophenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 44, followed by saponification using NaOH in MeOH. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.09 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 4.27 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.11 (2H, t, J=8.8 Hz), 7.24 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.57 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.63 (1H, s), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄FN₃O₂, 312. Found, 312.

Example 93 2-[1-[2-(2-fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 48% yield from methyl 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 5) and 2-fluorophenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 44, followed by saponification using NaOH in MeOH. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.14 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz), 4.29 (2H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 7.13 (2H, m), 7.27 (2H, m), 7.58 (1H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 7.63 (1H, s), 7.80 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.62 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄FN₃O₂, 312. Found, 312.

Example 94 2-[1-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 39% yield from methyl 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 5) and 4-methoxyphenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 44, followed by saponification using NaOH in MeOH. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.02 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 3.71 (3H, s), 4.24 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 6.83 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.12 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.58 (1H, d, J=3.7 Hz), 7.62 (1H, s), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₃O₃, 324. Found, 324.

Example 95 2-[1-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 18% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-methoxyphenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.05 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 3.79 (3H, s), 4.22 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 6.83 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 6.97 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.06 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.21 (1H, t, J=9.0 Hz), 7.53 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 7.53 (1H, s), 7.70 (1H, s), 8.20 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₃O₃, 324. Found, 324.

Example 96 2-[1-[2-(2-methylphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 27% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-methylphenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.23 (3H, s), 3.08 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 4.24 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.12 (4H, m), 7.58 (1H, dd, J=1.5 and 5.0 Hz), 7.66 (1H, s), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₃O₂, 308. Found, 308.

Example 97 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 18% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-chlorophenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.26 (2H, t, J=5.6 Hz), 4.32 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 7.45 (2H, m), 7.59 (2H, m), 7.67 (1H, s), 7.71 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.64 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄ClN₃O₂, 329. Found, 329.

Example 98 2-[1-[2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 12% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.23 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 4.30 (2H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.27 (3H, m), 7.45 (2H, m), 7.58 (1H, dd, J=1.4 and 4.9 Hz), 7.64 (1H, s), 7.80 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.62 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄F₃N₃O₂, 362. Found, 362.

Example 99 2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 48% yield from methyl 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (PREPARATION 5) and 2-bromo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 44, followed by saponification using NaOH in MeOH. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.21 (2H, d), 3.52 (2H, d), 5.22 (1H, m), 7.23 (2H, m), 7.32 (2H, m), 7.45 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz), 7.59 (1H, s), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.35 (1H, d). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₅N₃O₂, 306. Found, 306.

Example 100 2-(1-benzylimidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 30% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and benzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 5.26 (2H, s), 7.35 (5H, m), 7.58 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 7.83 (1H, s), 7.91 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₃N₃O₂, 280. Found, 280.

Example 101 2-[1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 22% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 4-fluorobenzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 5.46 (2H, s), 7.21 (2H, t, J=8.9 Hz), 7.43 (2H, d, J=7.1 Hz), 7.54 (1H, d, J=5.8 Hz), 7.79 (1H, s), 7.89 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂FN₃O₂, 298. Found, 298.

Example 102 2-[1-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 17% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-fluorobenzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 5.38 (2H, s), 7.25 (2H, m), 7.40 (2H, m), 7.56 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz), 7.74 (1H, s), 7.87 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂FN₃O₂, 298. Found, 298.

Example 103 2-[1-[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic

The title compound was prepared in 11% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and (1-bromomethyl)benzene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.85 (3H, d, J=6.9 Hz), 5.60 (1H, m), 7.31 (1H, m), 7.34 (4H, m), 7.50 (1H, m), 7.81 (1H, s), 7.92 (1H, s), 8.24 (1H, s), 8.47 (1H, br s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅N₃O₂, 294. Found, 294.

Example 104 2-[1-[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 3-fluorobenzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 5.40 (2H, s), 7.21 (3H, m), 7.42 (1H, m), 7.56 (1H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 7.87 (1H, s), 7.92 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.58 (1H, d). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂FN₃O₂, 298. Found, 298.

Example 105 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpropyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 17% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-(2-bromo-1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-chlorobenzene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.48 (6H, s), 4.52 (2H, s), 7.24-7.36 (5H, m), 7.54 (2H, m), 8.19 (1H, s), 8.56 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₈ClN₃O₂, 357. Found, 357.

Example 106 2-[1-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-bromo-1-phenylpropane according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.85 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 2.24 (1H, m), 2.33 (1H, m), 5.30 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz), 7.21-7.31 (3H, m), 7.38 (2H, d, J=7.4 Hz), 7.58 (1H, dd, J=1.6 and 4.9 Hz), 7.93 (1H, s), 7.97 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.60 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₃O₂, 308. Found, 308.

Example 107 2-[1-(1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 24% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-bromopropylbenzene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.85 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 2.22 (1H, m), 2.33 (1H, m), 5.30 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz), 7.31 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 7.38 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.46 (2H, d, J=8.7 Hz), 7.56 (1H, dd, J=1.4 and 5.0 Hz), 7.91 (1H, s), 7.96 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.55 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₃O₂, 308. Found, 308.

Example 108 2-[1-(2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 16% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-bromo-2-methylbenzene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.79 (3H, d, J=6.5 Hz), 0.85 (3H, d, J=6.4 Hz), 2.80 (1H, m), 4.90 (1H, d, J=11.2 Hz), 7.32 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 7.38 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.49 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 7.59 (1H, s), 7.61 (1H, s), 7.93 (1H, s), 8.22 (1H, s), 8.40 (1H, br s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₉N₃O₂, 322. Found, 322.

Example 109 2-[1-(6-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 5% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-bromo-6-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.33 (2H, m), 2.66 (2H, m), 5.87 (1H, t, J=6.8 Hz), 6.96 (1H, dd, J=2.2 and 8.8 Hz), 7.14 (1H, dt, J=2.8 and 9.1 Hz), 7.41 (1H, t, J=5.2 Hz), 7.46 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 7.52 (1H, s), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.23 (1H, s), 8.35 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄FN₃O₂, 324. Found, 324.

Example 110 2-[1-(4-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 10% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-bromo-4-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 2.36 (2H, m), 2.74 (1H, m), 2.98 (1H, m), 5.95 (1H, t, J=6.9 Hz), 6.98 (1H, J=7.4 Hz), 7.15 (1H, t, J=8.8 Hz), 7.28 (1H, q, J=8.0 Hz), 7.51 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.60 (1H, s), 7.88 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄FN₃O₂, 324. Found, 324.

Example 111 2-[1-[(3-phenylphenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 70% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 3-phenylbenzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 5.32 (2H, s), 7.35 (2H, t, J=8.3 Hz), 7.47 (2H, t, J=7.6 Hz), 7.54 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz), 7.61-7.67 (2H, m), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.87 (1H, s), 7.96 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.55 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₂H₁₇N₃O₂, 356. Found, 356.

Example 112 2-[1-(2-naphthalen-1-ylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 30% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-(2-bromoethyl)naphthalene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.58 (2H, t, J=7.6 Hz), 4.37 (2H, t, J=7.6 Hz), 7.36 (1H, d, J=6.2 Hz), 7.42 (1H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.51-7.60 (2H, m), 7.65 (1H, s), 7.83 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz), 7.94 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 8.23 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.39 (2H, s), 8.44 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₁₇N₃O₂, 344. Found, 344.

Example 113 2-[1-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 20% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 3-chlorophenethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.12 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 4.29 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 7.17 (1H, d, J=7.1 Hz), 7.26-7.33 (2H, m), 7.35 (1H, s), 7.58 (1H, dd, J=1.6 and 5.0 Hz), 7.66 (1H, s), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄ClN₃O₂, 329. Found, 329.

Example 114 2-[1-(2-cyclohexylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 31% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-bromo-2-cyclohexylethane according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.91-0.97 (2H, m), 1.10-1.21 (5H, m), 1.61-1.73 (7H, m), 4.03 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 7.52 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.73 (2H, s), 8.29 (1H, s), 8.47 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₂₁N₃O₂, 300. Found, 300.

Example 115 2-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 19% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and (bromomethyl)cyclohexane according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.89-0.98 (2H, m), 1.10-1.23 (3H, m), 1.54-1.73 (6H, m), 3.85 (2H, d, J=7.1 Hz), 7.49 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.67 (2H, d, J=6.9 Hz), 8.24 (1H, s), 8.41 (1H, d). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₂, 286. Found, 286.

Example 116 2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 5% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-(bromomethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.46-1.49 (1H, m), 1.63-1.67 (2H, m), 1.83-1.86 (1H, m), 2.73-2.89 (3H, d), 4.09-4.15 (1H, m), 4.27-4.31 (1H, m), 7.09-7.15 (3H, m), 7.29 (1H, t, J=4.4 Hz), 7.49 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.79 (1H, s), 8.26 (1H, s), 8.41 (1H, d). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉N₃O₂, 334. Found, 334.

Example 117 2-[1-[[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43 using room temperature, followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 5.36 (2H, s), 7.52 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 7.62-7.71 (3H, m), 7.79 (1H, s), 7.84 (1H, s), 7.94 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₂F₃N₃O₂, 348. Found, 348.

Example 118 methyl 2-[1-[2-(2-fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared in 41% yield from 2-[1-[2-(2-fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid (Example 93) according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 8. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.14 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 3.91 (3H, s), 4.29 (2H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 7.09-7.18 (2H, m), 7.23-7.28 (2H, m), 7.60 (1H, dd, J=1.4 and 4.9 Hz), 7.65 (1H, s), 7.83 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.67 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆FN₃O₂, 326. Found, 326.

Example 119 methyl 2-[1-[(3-phenylphenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared in 60% yield from 2-[1-[(3-phenylphenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid (Example 111) according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 8. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 3.93 (3H, s), 5.63 (2H, s), 7.42 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 7.47-7.56 (3H, m), 7.69 (4H, d, J=7.7 Hz), 7.86 (3H, d, J=9.3 Hz), 8.42 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₉N₃O₂, 370. Found, 370.

Example 120 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 10% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester and 2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.10 (2H, m), 0.32-0.39 (2H, m), 0.88-0.93 (1H, m), 3.44 (3H, s), 3.69 (1H, m), 3.81 (1H, m), 6.80 (1H, td, J=2.4 and 8.4 Hz), 6.96 (1H, dd, J=2.4 and 11.6 Hz), 7.27 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz), 7.45 (1H, dd, J=1.5 and 5.1 Hz), 7.84 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, s), 8.31 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₈FN₃O₃, 368. Found, 368.

Example 121 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4,5-difluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 5% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester and 2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4,5-difluorophenylboronic acid pinacol ester according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.29-0.32 (2H, m), 0.53-0.58 (2H, m), 1.22 (1H, m), 3.43 (3H, s), 3.82 (2H, d, J=7.0 Hz), 6.82 (1H, br s), 7.09-7.14 (1H, m), 7.27 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz), 7.42 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz), 7.90 (1H, s), 8.20 (1H, d, J=4.3 Hz), 8.30 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₂F₂N₃O₃, 386. Found, 386.

Example 122 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 3% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester and 2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.12 (2H, m), 0.33-0.40 (2H, m), 0.83-0.94 (1H, m), 3.60-3.70 (1H, m), 3.72-3.84 (1H, m), 6.84 (1H, t, J=8.4 Hz), 6.92 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.35 (1H, t, J=5.0 Hz), 7.40 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz), 7.86 (1H, s), 8.08 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz), 8.27 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₈FN₃O₃, 368. Found, 368.

Example 123 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-5-methylphenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 17% yield from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester and 2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A followed by hydrolysis. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.07-0.10 (2H, m), 0.29-0.37 (2H, m), 0.83-0.86 (1H, m), 2.23 (3H, s), 3.42 (3H, s), 3.59-3.63 (1H, m), 3.72-3.77 (1H, m), 6.95 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 7.04 (1H, s), 7.16 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz), 7.44 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.31 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₂₁N₃O₃, 364. Found, 364.

Preparation 7 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide A. methyl 2-formylpyridine-4-carboxylate

To a solution of methyl 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-4-carboxylate (30 g, 179.64 mmol) in DCM (1 L) was added MnO₂ (93.77 g. 1.0778 mol) at r.t. and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was then filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound (21.3 g, 72%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₈H₇NO₃, 166. Found, 166.

B. 2-[4-(4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-5-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of methyl 2-formylpyridine-4-carboxylate (12 g, 72.7 mmol) and TsMic (12 g, 72.7 mmol) in EtOH (200 mL), was added KCN (487 mg, 7.27 mmol) at r.t., stirred for 20 min, filtered, the solid dried to give the title compound (23 g, 88%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₅N₃O₄S, 361. Found, 361.

C. 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide

2-[4-(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-5-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide (23 g, 63.98 mmol) was added to a solution of NH₃ in MeOH (5 g/120 mL) and stirred overnight at 125° C., concentrated and purified by flash column chromatography to give the title compound (5 g, 36.8%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₉H₈N₄O, 189. Found, 189.

Example 124 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

A mixture of 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide (400 mg, 2.13 mmol, PREPARATION 7), 1-(2-bromo-ethyl)-2-chloro-benzene (557 mg, 2.55 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (587 mg, 4.26 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred overnight at 80° C. LC/MS showed the reaction was completed. It was then purified by flash column chromatography to give the title compound (228 mg, 33%) as a yellow solid. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅ClN₄O, 327. Found, 327.

B. 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide (1 eq) and pyridine (3 eq) in DCM was added TFAA (2 eq) slowly at 0° C., then the mixture was stirred for 2 hr at 0° C., the solution was washed by H₂O, NaHCO₃ and brine. The collected organic fractions were concentrated and purified by FCC (PE/EA=1/4) to give the title compound (53%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃ClN₄, 309. Found, 309.

C. 2-[5-bromo-1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (1 eq) in DCM (10 mL) was added NBS (1.05 eq) at rt and stirred for 3 hr at rt. Washed by H₂O, dried and concentrated to afford the title compound (95%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₂BrClN₄, 387. Found, 387.

D. 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

A mixture of 2-[5-bromo-1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (1 eq), 4-fluorophenylboronic acid, Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (0.1 eq) and Na₂CO₃ (2 eq, 2 M) in dioxane was refluxed overnight under N₂. The reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by FCC (DCM/MeOH=20/1) to give the title compound (48%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₆ClFN₄, 403. Found, 403.

E. 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

A mixture of 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (1 eq) and NaOH (5 eq, 2 M) in MeOH was refluxed overnight, concentrated and acidified to pH=3-4, purified by HPLC to give the title compound (43%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 3.07 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 4.27 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 7.00-7.33 (8H, m), 7.68 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.93-7.95 (2H, m), 8.52 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₇ClFN₃O₂, 422. Found, 422.

Example 125 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in 60% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide (PREPARATION 7) and cyclopropylmethyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₄N₄O, 327. Found, 327.

B. 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 43% yield from 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part B. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₂N₄, 225. Found, 225.

C. 2-[5-bromo-1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 80% yield from 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part C. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₃H₁₁BrN₄, 303. Found, 303.

D. 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 50% yield from 2-[5-bromo-1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part D. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₅FN₄, 319. Found, 319.

E. 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 44% yield from 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part E. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 0.23-0.26 (2H, m), 0.52-0.58 (2H, m), 1.05 (1H, m), 3.79 (2H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 7.18-7.24 (2H, m), 7.40-7.44 (2H, m), 7.63 (1H, d, J=6.3 Hz), 7.92-7.97 (2H, m), 8.47 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆FN₃O₂, 338. Found, 338.

Example 126 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 26% yield according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 125. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 0.35-0.37 (2H, m), 0.67-0.70 (2H, m), 1.18-1.21 (1H, m), 3.93 (2H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.60-7.73 (5H, m), 7.87-7.88 (1H, m), 8.83 (1H, m), 9.13 (1H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆ClN₃O₂, 354. Found, 354.

Example 127 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid A. 2-[5-bromo-1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 82% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part C. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₀BrClN₄, 373. Found, 373.

B. 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

A mixture of 2-[5-bromo-1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (270 mg, 0.726 mmol), 4-fluorophenylboronic acid (203 mg, 1.452 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (60 mg, 0.0726 mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.3 mL, 1.452 mmol, 2 M) in dioxane (10 mL) was refluxed overnight under N₂, concentrated and purified by FCC (DCM/MeOH=20/1) to give the title compound (250 mg, 88%). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₂H₁₄ClFN₄, 389. Found, 389.

C. 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was prepared in 24% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part E. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 5.28 (2H, s), 6.85-6.88 (1H, m), 7.09-7.39 (7H, m), 7.66 (1H, d, J=6.3 Hz), 7.95 (1H, s), 7.80 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₂H₁₅ClFN₃O₂, 408. Found, 408.

Example 128 2-[1-[2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

A mixture of 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide (200 mg, 1.06 mmol, PREPARATION 7), methanesulfonic acid 2-(2-ethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl ester (311 mg, 1.28 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (294 mg, 2.13 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred overnight at 70° C., LC/MS showed the reaction was completed, purified by FCC (DCM/MEOH=20/1) to give the title compound (189 mg, 53%) as a yellow solid. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₂₀N₄O₂, 337. Found, 337.

B. 2-[1-[2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 47% yield from 2-[1-[2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part B. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₈N₄O, 319. Found, 319.

C. 2-[1-[2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

To a mixture of 2-[1-[2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (1 eq) and NH₄Cl (10 eq) in DMF was added NaN₃ at rt, then stirred for 2 hr at 110° C. in a microwave oven, LC/MS showed the reaction was completed, acidified to PH=3-4 by conc. HCl, stirred for 1 hr, then adjusted to PH=7-8 by NaOH, concentrated and purified by HPLC to give the title compound (56%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.36 (3H, t, J=6.4 Hz), 3.06-3.09 (2H, m), 4.02-4.03 (2H, m), 4.25-4.29 (2H, m), 6.82-7.19 (4H, m), 7.69 (1H, s), 7.76-7.81 (2H, m), 8.47 (1H, s), 8.61 (1H, d, J=6.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₉N₇O, 362. Found, 362.

Example 129 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

A mixture of 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide (PREPARATION 7)), 1-bromomethyl-2-chlorobenzene (260 mg, 1.28 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (176 mg, 1.28 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was stirred overnight at rt, LC/MS showed the reaction was completed, purified by FCC to give the title compound (83 mg, 42%) as a yellow solid. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₃ClN₄O, 313. Found, 313.

B. 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 93% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part B. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁ClN₄, 295. Found, 295.

C. 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 28% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.42 (2H, s), 7.29-7.31 (1H, m), 7.38-7.41 (2H, m), 7.52-7.55 (1H, m), 7.81 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.87 (1H, s), 7.99 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, d, J=4.4 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂ClN₇, 338. Found, 338.

Example 130 2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in 51% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 129, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₃ClN₄O, 313. Found, 313.

B. 2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 40% yield from 2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part B. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁ClN₄, 295. Found, 295.

C. 2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 34% yield from 2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.31 (2H, s), 7.41-7.49 (4H, m), 7.82 (1H, m), 7.98 (1H, s), 8.04 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂ClN₇, 338. Found, 338.

Example 131 2-[1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in 46% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 129, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₃ClN₄O, 313. Found, 313.

B. 2-[1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 80% yield from 2-[1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part B. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁ClN₄, 295. Found, 295.

C. 2-[1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 58% yield from 2-[1-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.30 (2H, s), 7.39-7.48 (4H, m), 7.80-7.82 (1H, m), 7.94 (1H, s), 8.02 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂ClN₇, 338. Found, 338.

Example 132 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 36% yield from 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (Example 124, part D) according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 3.07 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 4.26 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 7.19-7.48 (8H, m), 7.77-7.79 (1H, m), 7.95-7.98 (1H, m), 8.83 (1H, br), 9.22 (1H, br). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₇ClFN₇, 446. Found, 446.

Example 133 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 20% yield from 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.97 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 4.15 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 7.11-7.37 (8H, m), 7.76-7.78 (1H, m), 8.26-8.37 (2H, m), 8.52 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₇Cl₂N₇, 462. Found, 462.

Example 134 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in 60% yield from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide (PREPARATION 7) and toluene-4-sulfonic acid 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethyl ester according to the procedure for the preparation Example 128, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₁H₉F₃N₄O, 271. Found, 271.

B. 2-[1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 40% yield from 2-[1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part B. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₁H₇F₃N₄, 253. Found, 253.

C. 2-[5-bromo-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 40% yield from 2-[1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part C. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₁H₆BrF₃N₄, 331. Found, 331.

D. 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared in 48% yield from 2-[5-bromo-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 124, part D. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₀F₄N₄, 347. Found, 347.

E. 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 68% yield from 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 4.86-4.89 (2H, m), 7.59-7.35 (2H, m), 7.45-7.49 (2H, m), 7.74 (1H, d, J=6.3 Hz), 8.11 (1H, s), 8.47 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz), 8.54 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₁F₄N₇, 390. Found, 390.

Example 135 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 23% yield from 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (Example 125, part D) according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.19-0.21 (2H, m), 0.43-0.46 (2H, m), 0.94 (1H, m), 3.71 (2H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 7.23-7.34 (2H, m), 7.49-7.52 (2H, m), 7.70 (1H, d, J=6.6 Hz), 8.07 (1H, s), 8.37 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 8.46 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆FN₇, 362. Found, 362.

Example 136 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 23% yield from 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.17-0.221 (2H, m), 0.41-0.45 (2H, m), 0.91-0.94 (1H, m), 3.69 (2H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 7.48-7.63 (5H, m), 7.98-7.99 (1H, m), 8.21-8.22 (1H, m), 8.46 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆ClN₇, 378. Found, 378.

Example 137 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 41% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (Example 127, part B) according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.24 (2H, s), 6.75-6.78 (1H, m), 7.16-7.41 (7H, m), 7.74 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz), 8.10 (1H, s), 8.44 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz), 8.53 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₂H₁₅ClFN₇, 432. Found, 432.

Example 138 [5-[2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridin-4-yl]tetrazol-2-yl]methyl acetate

To a solution of 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine (50 mg, 0.12 mmol, Example 137) in DMF (5 mL) was added acetic acid bromomethyl ester (20 mg, 0.12 mmol), t-BuOK (27 mg, 0.24 mmol) and KI (40 mg, 0.24 mmol) at 0° C., then the mixture was stirred for 72 hr at rt, H₂O was added, extracted with EA, dried, concentrated and purified by HPLC to give the title compound (5 mg, 8.6%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 2.13 (3H, s), 5.38 (2H, s), 6.55 (2H, s), 6.97-6.98 (1H, m), 7.23-7.49 (7H, m), 7.85 (1H, s), 8.10 (1H, d, J=6.0 Hz), 8.28 (1H, m), 8.64 (1H, m). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₅H₁₉ClFN₇O₂, 504. Found, 504.

Example 139 [5-[2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridin-4-yl]tetrazol-2-yl]methyl 2,2-dimethylpropanoate

The title compound was prepared in 24% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine (Example 137) and 2, 2-dimethyl-propionic acid chloromethyl ester according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 138. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 1.22 (9H, s), 5.30 (2H, s), 6.61 (2H, s), 6.61-6.62 (1H, m), 6.86-6.88 (2H, m), 7.09-7.39 (5H, m), 7.88 (1H, d, J=6.6 Hz), 7.96 (1H, s), 8.29 (1H, s), 8.55 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₈H₂₅ClFN₇O₂, 546. Found, 546.

Example 140 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl] imidazole-4-yl]pyridine

The title compound was prepared from 2-[1-[2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 4.35 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 7.47 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.62 (1H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 7.72 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.81 (1H, d, J=5.8 Hz), 7.93 (1H, br s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.69 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄F₃N₇, 386. Found, 362.

Example 141 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 57% yield from 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.25 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 4.32 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.26 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.46 (1H, t, J=6.8 Hz), 7.72 (1H, s), 7.78 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 7.86 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.57 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄ClN₇, 353. Found, 353.

Example 142 2-[1-(2-naphthalen-1-ylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 41% yield from 2-[1-(2-naphthalen-1-yl-ethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.61 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 4.41 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 7.43 (1H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.53 (1H, m), 7.57 (2H, m), 7.82 (1H, s), 7.83 (2H, m), 7.94 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 8.03 (1H, s), 8.25 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.63 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₁H₁₇N₇, 368. Found, 368.

Example 143 2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 17% yield from 2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 1.51 (1H, m), 1.64-1.68 (3H, m), 1.83 (1H, m), 2.73 (2H, m), 4.16 (1H, m), 4.32 (1H, m), 7.11 (1H, t, J=4.4 Hz), 7.15 (2H. m), 7.82 (3H, m), 7.95 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, s), 8.58 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉N₇, 358. Found, 358.

Example 144 2-[1-(1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 16% yield from 2-[1-(1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 0.86 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 2.26 (1H, m), 2.34 (2H, m), 5.33 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.32 (1H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 7.39 (2H. t, J=7.5 Hz), 7.47 (1H, s), 7.49 (1H, s), 7.79 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 8.06 (1H, s), 8.08 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.65 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₇N₇, 332. Found, 332.

Example 145 2-[1-(2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 10% yield from 2-[1-(2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 0.80 (3H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 0.88 (3H, d, J=6.4 Hz), 4.96 (1H, d, J=11.2 Hz), 7.30 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 7.39 (2H. t, J=7.4 Hz), 7.61 (1H, s), 7.63 (1H, s), 7.78 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz), 8.07 (1H, s), 8.12 (1H, s), 8.48 (1H, s), 8.62 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₉N₇, 346. Found, 346.

Example 146 2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 7% yield from 2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 1.23-1.44 (1H, m), 1.82-1.85 (1H, m), 2.28-2.33 (2H, m), 2.67-2.85 (3H, m), 4.10 (1H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 7.07 (4H, m), 7.81 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.97 (1H, s), 8.02 (1H, s), 8.54 (1H, s), 8.69 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉N₇, 358. Found, 358.

Example 147 2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 3% yield from 2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 1.78-1.91 (1H, m), 2.07-2.14 (1H, m), 2.67-2.91 (3H, m), 3.67 (1H, m), 4.15 (1H, m), 4.39 (1H, m), 7.14-7.25 (3H, m), 7.24 (1H, d, J=6.6 Hz), 7.77-7.79 (2H, m), 7.91 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.61 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇N₇, 344. Found, 344.

Example 148 2-[5-(4-fluoro-2-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[5-(4-fluoro-2-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 2-benzyloxyl-4-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₇FN₄O, 385. Found, 385.

B. 2-[5-(4-fluoro-2-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 3% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-fluoro-2-phenyl-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.43 (3H, s), 4.99 (1H, m), 5.10 (1H, m), 6.90 (1H, t, J=6.5 Hz), 7.05 (1H, m), 7.17 (3H, m), 7.38 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 7.47 (1H, m), 7.68-7.75 (2H, m), 7.80 (1H, br s), 8.36 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 8.43 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₈FN₇O, 428. Found, 428.

Example 149 2-[5-(2-butoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[5-(2-butoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 2-butoxy-4-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₉FN₄O, 351. Found, 351.

B. 2-[5-(2-butoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 9% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(2-butoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 0.64 (3H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 1.04 (2H, q, J=10.3 Hz), 1.34 (2H, m), 3.42 (3H, s), 3.85 (1H, m), 3.96 (1H, m), 6.88 (1H, t, J=8.4 Hz), 7.05 (1H, d, J=10.6 Hz), 7.38 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 7.73 (1H, br s), 8.05 (1H, br s), 8.38 (1H, br s), 8.42 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₀FN₇O, 394. Found, 394.

Example 150 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenylboronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₇FN₄O, 349. Found, 349.

B. 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 12% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 0.11 (2H, m), 0.33 2H, m), 0.91 (1H, m), 3.46 (3H, s), 3.74 (1H, m), 3.86 (1H, m), 6.87 (1H, d t, J=2.0 and 8.43 Hz), 7.04 (1H, d, J=9.6 Hz), 7.36 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz), 7.74 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz), 8.11 (1H, br s), 8.39 (1H, br s), 8.44 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₈FN₇O, 392. Found, 392.

Example 151 2-[1-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2,6-dichlorobenzyle bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₀Cl₂N₄, 330. Found, 330.

B. 2-[1-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 6% yield from 2-[1-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.53 (2H, s), 7.49 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.61 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 7.66 (1H, s), 7.78 (1H, d, J=4.1 Hz), 7.95 (1H, s), 8.48 (1H, s), 8.60 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁Cl₂N₇, 373. Found, 373.

Example 152 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine A. 2-[1-[[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-(bromomethyl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoromethoxy)benzene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₃F₃N₄O, 359. Found, 359.

B. 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazole-4-yl]pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 3% yield from 2-[1-[[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 4.86 (2H, q, J=8.5 Hz), 5.24 (2H, s), 7.07 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 7.16 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 7.32-7.40 (2H, m), 7.73 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz), 7.75 (1H, s), 7.82 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₄F₃N₇O, 402. Found, 402.

Example 153 2-[1-[[2-(2-methylpropoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[[2-(2-methylpropoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-(bromomethyl)-2-(2-methylpropoxyl)benzene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₀N₄O, 333. Found, 333.

B. 2-[1-[[2-(2-methylpropoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 17% yield from 2-[1-[[2-(2-methylpropoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.00 (6H, d, J=6.7 Hz), 2.08 (1H, m), 3.81 (2H, d, J=6.3 Hz), 5.25 (2H, s), 6.95 (1H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 7.03 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.27 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz), 7.32 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz), 7.80 (1H, d, J=5.8 Hz), 7.83 (1H, s), 7.93 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.67 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₁N₇O, 376. Found, 376.

Example 154 2-[1-[[2-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[[2-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-chloro-3-(trifluromethyl)benzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₀ClF₃N₄, 363. Found, 363.

B. 2-[1-[[2-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 20% yield from 2-[1-[[2-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.54 (2H, s), 7.45 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.60 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz), 7.82 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz), 7.87 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.93 (1H, s), 8.02 (1H, s), 8.54 (1H, s), 8.69 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₁ClF₃N₇, 406. Found, 406.

Example 155 2-[1-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-(bromomethyl)naphthalene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₄N₄, 311. Found, 311.

B. 2-[1-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 19% yield from 2-[1-(naphthalen-1-yl-methyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.82 (2H, s), 7.45 (1H, d, J=7.0 Hz), 7.53-7.7.65 (3H, m), 7.79 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.88 (1H, s), 7.95-8.01 (2H, m), 8.09 (1H, s), 8.23 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 8.51 (1H, s), 8.65 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₅N₇, 354. Found, 354.

Example 156 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazole-4-yl]pyridine A. 2-[1-[[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2-(trifluromethoxy)benzyl bromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₁F₃N₄O, 345. Found, 345.

B. 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 22% yield from 2-[1-[[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.41 (2H, s), 7.37-7.53 (4H, m), 7.81 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 7.85 (1H, s), 7.96 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₂F₃N₇O, 388. Found, 388.

Example 157 2-[1-[1-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[1-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 1-(1-bromomethyl)-2-chloroenzene according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃ClN₄, 309. Found, 309.

B. 2-[1-[1-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 19% yield from 2-[1-[1-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.89 (3H, d, J=7.0 Hz), 5.96 (1H, q, J=7.0 Hz), 7.38-7.43 (2H, m), 7.47-7.53 (2H, m), 7.82 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz), 7.98 (1H, s), 8.08 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄ClN₇, 352. Found, 352.

Example 158 2-[1-[(2,3-dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[1-[(2,3-dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 4) and 2,3-dichlorobenzylbromide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 43, part A using room temp. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₀Cl₂N₄, 330. Found, 330.

B. 2-[1-[(2,3-dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 19% yield from 2-[1-[(2,3-dichlorophenyl) methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 5.48 (2H, s), 7.17 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.41 (1H, t, J=7.9 Hz), 7.67 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.81 (1H, d, J=1.3 Hz), 7.90 (1H, s), 8.01 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, s), 8.69 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁Cl₂N₇, 374. Found, 374.

Example 159 2-[5-[4-fluoro-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[5-[4-fluoro-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 4-fluoro-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl boronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₂F₄N₄O, 377. Found, 377.

B. 2-[5-[4-fluoro-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 12% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-[4-fluoro-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.48 (3H, s), 4.85 (2H, q, J=8.7 Hz), 7.17 (1H, m), 7.39 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz), 7.47 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.73 (1H, br s), 8.01 (1H, br s), 8.48 (2H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₃F₄N₇O, 420. Found, 420.

Example 160 2-[5-(4-fluoro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[5-(4-fluoro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 3-benzyloxy-4-fluorophenyl boronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₇FN₄O, 385. Found, 385.

B. 2-[5-(4-fluoro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 12% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-fluoro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.54 (3H, s), 5.18 (2H, s), 7.05 (1H, m), 7.32-7.44 (7H, m), 7.73 (1H, br s), 7.98 (1H, br s), 8.42 (1H, br s), 8.46 (1H, br s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₈FN₇O, 428. Found, 428.

Example 161 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl) pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 3-benzyloxy-4-chlorophenyl boronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₇ClN₄O, 401. Found, 401.

B. 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 14% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.57 (3H, s), 5.22 (2H, s), 7.06 (1H, dd, J=1.4 and 8.1 Hz), 7.32-7.45 (6H, m), 7.52 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.74 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz), 8.02 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 8.50 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₈ClN₇O, 444. Found, 444.

Example 162 2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazol-4-yl]phenol A. 2-[5-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl boronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁FN₄O, 295. Found, 295.

B. 2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazol-4-yl]phenol

The title compound was prepared in 6% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.51 (3H, s), 6.89 (1H, m), 7.03 (1H, dd, J=1.8 and 8.5 Hz), 7.26 (1H, dt, J=2.9 and 8.4 Hz), 7.77 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 8.08 (1H, s), 8.38 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₂FN₇O, 338. Found, 338.

Example 163 2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazol-4-yl]-N-phenylbenzamide A. 5-[5-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-3-methylimidazol-4-yl]-2-fluoro-N-phenylbenzamide

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 4-fluoro-3-(phenyl carbamoyl)phenyl boronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₆FN₅O, 398. Found, 398.

B. 2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazol-4-yl]-N-phenylbenzamide

The title compound was prepared in 11% yield (two steps) from 5-[5-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-3-methylimidazol-4-yl]-2-fluoro-N-phenylbenzamide according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.57 (3H, s), 7.11 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 7.35 (2H, t, J=7.9 Hz), 7.45 (1H, t, J=9.3 Hz), 7.68-7.78 (5H, m), 8.14 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 8.57 (1H, s), 10.48 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₃H₁₇FN₈O, 441. Found, 441.

Example 164 2-[5-(4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine A. 2-[5-(4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carbonitrile (PREPARATION 2) and 4-fluoronaphthalene-1-boronic acid according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 3, part A. [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₃FN₄, 329. Found, 329.

B. 2-[5-(4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 13% yield (two steps) from 2-[5-(4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)-1-methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 128, part C. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 3.57 (3H, s), 7.11 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 7.35 (2H, t, J=7.9 Hz), 7.45 (1H, t, J=9.3 Hz), 7.68-7.78 (5H, m), 8.14 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 8.57 (1H, s), 10.48 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₀H₁₄FN₇, 372. Found, 372.

Example 165 2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in 95% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine (Example 129), MeI and potassium carbonate in DMF. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 4.49 (3H, s), 5.41 (2H, s), 7.27-7.30 (1H, m), 7.38-7.40 (2H, m), 7.52-7.55 (1H, m), 7.79 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.84 (1H, s), 7.96 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.67 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄ClN₇, 352. Found, 352.

Example 166 (5-(2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl pivalate

The title compound was prepared in 15% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine (Example 129), chloroethyl pivalate and potassium carbonate in DMF. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 1.10 (9H, s), 5.41 (2H, s), 6.70 (2H, s), 7.28-7.30 (1H, m), 7.38-7.40 (2H, m), 7.52-7.54 (1H, m), 7.81-7.83 (3H, m), 7.94 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₂H₂₂ClN₇O₂, 452. Found, 452.

Example 167 (5-(2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl acetate

The title compound was prepared in 15% yield from 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl] imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine (Example 129), chloromethyl acetate and potassium carbonate in DMF. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 2.12 (3H, s), 5.41 (2H, s), 6.67 (2H, s), 7.27-7.29 (1H, m), 7.38-7.41 (2H, m), 7.53-7.55 (1H, m), 7.81 (1H, s), 7.94 (1H, s), 8.51 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆ClN₇O₂, 410. Found, 410.

Example 168 (5-(2-(1-((1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl pivalate

The title compound was prepared in 18% yield from 2-[1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 167. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): 1.12 (9H, s), 1.49 (1H, m), 1.64-1.66 (2H, m), 1.84 (1H, m), 2.67 (3H, m), 4.17 (1H, m), 4.32 (1H, m), 6.71 (2H, s), 7.12 (1H, t, J=3.7 Hz), 7.15 (2H, m), 7.30 (1H, t, J=4.9 Hz), 7.82 (1H, s), 7.83 (1H, s), 7.95 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.70 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₆H₂₉N₇O₂, 472. Found, 472.

Example 169 2-(1-(3-chlorobenzyl)-5-(2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared from 2-[1-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carbonitrile (Example 130, part B) according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 137. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): δ 0.05 (2H, m), 0.33 (2H, m), 0.89 (1H, m), 3.63 (1H, m), 3.73 (1H, m), 5.08 (1H, d, J=16 Hz), 5.16 (1H, d, J=15 Hz), 6.77 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 6.87-6.94 (3H, s & m), 7.17 (1H, t, J=7.0 Hz), 7.23-7.29 (2H, s & m), 7.73 (1H, m), 8.16 (1H, m), 8.42 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 8.53 (1H, s). [M+H] Calc'd for C₂₆H₂₁ClFN₇O, 502. Found, 502.

II. Biological Evaluation

Example 1 In Vitro Enzyme Inhibition Assay

This assay determines the ability of a test compound to inhibit Jarid1A, Jarid1B, JMJD2C, and JMJD2A demethylase activity. Baculovirus expressed Jarid1A (GenBank Accession #NM_001042603, AA1-1090) was purchased from BPS Bioscience (Cat#50110). Baculovirus expressed Jarid1B (GenBank Accession #NM_006618, AA 2-751) was purchased from BPS Bioscience (Cat #50121) or custom made by MolecularThroughput. Baculovirus expressed JMJD2C (GenBank Accession #BC143571, AA 2-372) was purchased from BPS Bioscience (Cat#50105). Baculovirus expressed JMJD2A (GenBank Accession #NM_014663, AA 1-350) was purchased from BPS Bioscience (Cat#50123). Baculovirus expressed FBXL10 (GenBank Accession #NM_032590, AA 1-650) was purchased from BPS Bioscience (Cat#50120).

Jarid1A Assay

The enzymatic assay of Jarid1A activity is based upon Time Resolved-Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) detection. The ability of test compounds to inhibit the activity of Jarid1A was determined in 384-well plate format under the following reaction conditions: 1 nM Jarid1A, 300 nM H3K4me3-biotin labeled peptide (Anaspec cat #64357), 2 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid in assay buffer of 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 0.005% Brij35, 0.5 mM TCEP, 0.2 mg/ml BSA, 50 μM sodium L-ascorbate, and 2 μM ammonium iron(II) sulfate. Reaction product was determined quantitatively by TR-FRET after the addition of detection reagent Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin (Prozyme) and Europium-anti-mono- or di-methylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me1-2) antibody (PerkinElmer) in the presence of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer (PerkinElmer) at a final concentration of 25 nM and 1 nM, respectively.

The assay reaction was initiated by the following: 2 μl of the mixture of 900 nM H3K4me3-biotin labeled peptide and 6 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid with 2 μl of 11-point serial diluted inhibitor in 3% DMSO was added to each well of plate, followed by the addition of 2 μl of 3 nM Jarid1A to initiate the reaction. The reaction mixture was incubated at r.t. for 30 min, and terminated by the addition of 6 μl of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer containing 50 nM Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin and 2 nM Europium-anti-H3K4me1-2 antibody. Plates were read by EnVisionMultilabel Reader in TR-FRET mode (excitation at 320 nm, emission at 615 nm and 665 nm) after 1 hr incubation at room temperature. A ratio was calculated (665/615) for each well and fitted to determine inhibition constant (IC₅₀).

Jarid1B Assay

The ability of test compounds to inhibit the activity of Jarid1B was determined in 384-well plate format under the following reaction conditions: 0.8 nM Jarid1B, 300 nM H3K4me3-biotin labeled peptide (Anaspec cat #64357), 2 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid in assay buffer of 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 0.005% Brij35, 0.5 mM TCEP, 0.2 mg/ml BSA, 50 μM sodium L-ascorbate, and 2 μM ammonium iron(II) sulfate. Reaction product was determined quantitatively by TR-FRET after the addition of detection reagent Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin (Prozyme) and Europium-anti-mono- or di-methylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me1-2) antibody (PerkinElmer) in the presence of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer (PerkinElmer) at a final concentration of 25 nM and 1 nM, respectively.

The assay reaction was initiated by the following: 2 μl of the mixture of 900 nM H3K4me3-biotin labeled peptide and 6 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid with 2 μl of 11-point serial diluted inhibitor in 3% DMSO was added to each well of the plate, followed by the addition of 2 μl of 2.4 nM Jarid1B to initiate the reaction. The reaction mixture was incubated at r.t. for 30 min, and terminated by the addition of 6 μl of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer containing 50 nM Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin and 2 nM Europium-anti-H3K4me1-2 antibody. Plates were read by EnVisionMultilabel Reader in TR-FRET mode (excitation at 320 nm, emission at 615 nm and 665 nm) after 1 hr incubation at r.t. A ratio was calculated (665/615) for each well and fitted to determine inhibition constant (IC₅₀).

JMJD2C Assay

The ability of test compounds to inhibit the activity of JMJD2C was determined in 384-well plate format under the following reaction conditions: 0.3 nM JMJD2C, 300 nM H3K9me3-biotin labeled peptide (Anaspec cat #64360), 2 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid in assay buffer of 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 0.005% Brij35, 0.5 mM TCEP, 0.2 mg/ml BSA, 50 μM sodium L-ascorbate, and 2 μM ammonium iron(II) sulfate. Reaction product was determined quantitatively by TR-FRET after the addition of detection reagent Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin (Prozyme) and Europium-anti-di-methylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) antibody (PerkinElmer) in the presence of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer (PerkinElmer) at a final concentration of 50 nM and 1 nM, respectively.

The assay reaction was initiated by the following: 2 μl of the mixture of 900 nM H3K9me3-biotin labeled peptide and 6 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid with 2 μl of 11-point serial diluted inhibitor in 3% DMSO were added to each well of the plate, followed by the addition of 2 μl of 0.9 nM JMJD2C to initiate the reaction. The reaction mixture was incubated at r.t. for 30 min, and terminated by the addition of 6 μl of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer containing 100 nM Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin and 2 nM Europium-anti-H3K9me2 antibody. Plates were read by EnVisionMultilabel Reader in TR-FRET mode (excitation at 320 nm, emission at 615 nm and 665 nm) after 1 hr incubation at r.t. A ratio was calculated (665/615) for each well and fitted to determine inhibition constant (IC₅₀).

JMJD2A Assay

The ability of test compounds to inhibit the activity of JMJD2A was determined in 384-well plate format under the following reaction conditions: 2 nM JMJD2A, 300 nM H3K9me3-biotin labeled peptide (Anaspec cat #64360), 2 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid in assay buffer of 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 0.005% Brij35, 0.5 mM TCEP, 0.2 mg/ml BSA, 50 μM sodium L-ascorbate, and 2 μM ammonium iron(II) sulfate. Reaction product was determined quantitatively by TR-FRET after the addition of detection reagent Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin (Prozyme) and Europium-anti-di-methylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) antibody (PerkinElmer) in the presence of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer (PerkinElmer) at a final concentration of 50 nM and 1 nM, respectively.

The assay reaction was initiated by the following: 2 μl of the mixture of 900 nM H3K9me3-biotin labeled peptide and 6 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid with 2 μl of 11-point serial diluted inhibitor in 3% DMSO were added to each well of plate, followed by the addition of 2 μl of 6 nM JMJD2A to initiate the reaction. The reaction mixture was incubated at r.t. for 30 min, and terminated by the addition of 6 μl of 5 mM EDTA in LANCE detection buffer containing 100 nM Phycolink Streptavidin-allophycocyanin and 2 nM Europium-anti-H3K9me2 antibody. Plates were read by EnVisionMultilabel Reader in TR-FRET mode (excitation at 320 nm, emission at 615 nm and 665 nm) after 1 hour incubation at room temperature. A ratio was calculated (665/615) for each well and fitted to determine inhibition constant (IC₅₀).

FBXL10 Assay

The ability of test compounds to inhibit the activity of FBXL10 was determined in 384-well plate format under the following reaction conditions: 0.3 nM FBXL10, 30 nM H3K36me2-biotin labeled peptide (Anaspec cat #64442), 0.2 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid in assay buffer of 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 0.005% Brij35, 0.5 mM TCEP, 0.2 mg/ml BSA, 50 μM sodium L-ascorbate, and 5 μM ammonium iron(II) sulfate. Reaction product was determined quantitatively by AlphaScreen detection after the addition of detection reagents anti-H3K36me1 antibody, AlphaScreen® Streptavidin-coated Donor beads, and AlphaScreen® Protein A Acceptor beads in 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 10 mM NaCl, 0.005% Brij35, 5 mM EDTA, 2 mg/ml BSA to final 10 μg/ml beads.

The assay reaction was initiated by the following: 3 μl of the mixture of 90 nM H3K36me2-biotin labeled peptide and 0.6 μM alpha-ketoglutaric acid with 3 μl of 11-point serial diluted inhibitor in 3% DMSO were added to each well of 384 well Proxiplate (Perkin Elmer), followed by the addition of 3 μl of 0.9 nM FBXL10 to initiate the reaction. The reaction mixture was incubated at r.t. for 30 min, and terminated by the addition of 3 μl of 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 10 mM NaCl, 0.005% Brij35, 5 mM EDTA, 2 mg/ml BSA containing appropriate dilution of anti-H3K36me1 antibody. Plates were incubated at r.t. for 40 min, followed by addition of 3 μl of 50 μg/ml AlphaScreen® Streptavidin-coated Donor beads and AlphaScreen® Protein A Acceptor beads in 50 mM HEPES, pH7.3, 10 mM NaCl, 0.005% Brij35, 5 mM EDTA, 2 mg/ml BSA. Plates were read by EnVisionMultilabel Reader in AlphaScreen mode after a minimum of 2 hr or up to overnight incubation at r.t. The AlphaScreen signal for each well was used to determine inhibition constant (IC₅₀).

The ability of the compounds disclosed herein to inhibit demethylase activity was quantified and the respective IC₅₀ value was determined. Table 3 provides the IC₅₀ values of various compounds disclosed herein.

TABLE 3 IC₅₀ IC₅₀ IC₅₀ IC₅₀ IC₅₀ Jarid1A Jarid1B JMJD2C JMJD2A FBXL10 Ex. NAME (nM) (nM) (nM) (nM) (nM) 1 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- A A A A A yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 2 2-(5-bromo-1-methyl-1H- A A B B imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 3 2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)- A A C B 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 4 2-[1-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)- A A C B 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 5 2-[5-(4-ethylphenyl)-1-methyl- A A C B 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 6 2-{1-methyl-5-[4- A A C B (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 7 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1- A A C B methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 8 methyl 2-[5-(4- cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylate 9 2-[5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1- B B C methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 10 2-{1-methyl-5-[3- B B C (methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 11 2-{5-[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]- B B C B 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 12 2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl- B B C B 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 13 2-{1-methyl-5-[4- B B C B (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 14 2-[5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl- B B C B 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 15 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1- A A B B yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 16 2-{5-[4- A A B B (cyclopropylmethoxy)phenyl]-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 17 2-(5-{4-[1- A A B (hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}- 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 18 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(pyrrolidin-1- A A B yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 19 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl- A A B A 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 20 2-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl- A A B A 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 21 2-[5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-methyl- A A B A 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 22 2-[5-(1H-indol-6-yl)-1-methyl- A A B A 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 23 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl- A A B B A 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 24 2-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl- A A B A 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 25 2-(5-{4-[1- A A C (methoxymethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}- 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 26 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1- A B C methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 27 2-{5-[4-chloro-2- A A C A (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 28 2-[5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1- A A B B methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 29 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1- A A B A methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 30 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)- A A B A 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 31 2-{5-[4-chloro-3- A A B B (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1- methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 32 2-[5-(4-chloro-2-ethoxyphenyl)-1- A A C B methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 33 2-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1- A A B A methyl-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 34 2-(1-methyl-5-{4-[1- A A B (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]phenyl}- 1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 35 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1- A A B A propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 36 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1- A A C A (3-methoxypropyl)-1H-imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 37 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1- A A C A (2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 38 2-[1-[2-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl- A A A A A methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 39 2-{5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1- A A A A [2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H- imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 40 2-{1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]- A A A 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 41 2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4- A A A A yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 42 2-{1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]- A A A 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 43 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]- A A A A C 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 44 methyl 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1- yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylate 45 2-{1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]- C B D 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 46 2-{1-[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]- B B C B 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 47 2-[1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H- A A B A imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 48 2-(1-{2-[2- A A A A B (dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethyl}- 1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 49 2-[1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H- A A A B imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 50 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-4- A A A A C yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 51 2-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)- A A B A 1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 52 2-[1-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1H- A A A B imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 53 2-[1-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)-1H- A A A B imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 54 2-{1-[(4-methylmorpholin-2- A A A A yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 55 2-{1-[(1-methylpiperidin-3- A A A A yl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 56 methyl 2-(1-{2- [benzyl(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylate 57 2-(1-{2- A A A A [benzyl(methyl)amino]ethyl}-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 58 2-(1-{2- A A B B A [methyl(phenyl)amino]ethyl}-1H- imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 59 2-(1-{2- A A A A B [(cyclopropylmethyl)(methyl)amino]eth- yl}-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 60 2-{1-[2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1- A A B A A yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4- yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 61 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]- A A A 1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 62 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4- B B D D A (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 63 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]- A A B C B 1H-imidazol-4-yl}-4-(2H-tetrazol- 5-yl)pyridine 64 N-cyano-2-(1-{2- A A B D D [(cyclopropylmethyl)(methyl)amino]eth- yl}-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide 65 N-benzyl-2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5- C A [4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-4-yl]benzamide 66 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[(3- A A A A A methylphenyl)methyl]amino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 67 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[(4- A A A A A methylphenyl)methyl]amino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 68 2-[1-[2-[methyl-[[4- A A A A A (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]meth- yl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 69 2-[1-[2-[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl- A A A A A methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 70 2-[1-[2-[ethyl-[(4- A A A A A fluorophenyl)methyl]amino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 71 2-[1-[2-[cyclopropyl-[(4- A A A A A fluorophenyl)methyl]amino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 72 2-[1-[2-[(4,4- A A A A difluorocyclohexyl)methylamino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 73 2-[1-[2-[(3,3- A A A A difluorocyclobutyl)methylamino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 74 2-[1-[2-[(4- A A A A fluorophenyl)methylamino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 75 2-[1-[2-[[2- A A A (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl- amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 76 2-[1-[2-(1,3-dihydroisoindol-2- A A A A yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 77 2-[1-[2-[(2- A A A A methoxyphenyl)methylamino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 78 2-[1-[2-[(2- A A A A chlorophenyl)methylamino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 79 2-[1-[2-(5-fluoro-1,3- A A A A dihydroisoindol-2- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 80 2-[1-[2-[(2- A A A A ethylphenyl)methylamino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 81 2-[1-[2-(4-chloro-1,3- A A A A dihydroisoindol-2- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 82 2-[1-[2-(5-chloro-1,3- A A A A dihydroisoindol-2- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 83 2-[1-[2-(4-cyano-1,3- A A A A dihydroisoindol-2- yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 84 2-[1-[2-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3- A A A A dihydroisoindol-2- yl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 85 2-[1-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl- A A B A cyclopropylamino]ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 86 2-[1-[2-[cyclopropyl-[(3,4- A A B A dichlorophenyl)methyl]amino]eth- yl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 87 2-[1-[2-(4-chloro-N- A A B B A methylanilino)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 88 2-[1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-quinolin- A A B A A 1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 89 2-[1-[2-(6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H- A A B B A quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 90 2-[1-[2-(6-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H- A A B A A quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 91 2-[1-[2-(5-fluoro-2,3- A A B B B dihydroindol-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 92 2-[1-[2-(4- A A A A fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 93 2-[1-[2-(2- A A A A fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 94 2-[1-[2-(4- A A A methoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 95 2-[1-[2-(2- A A B B A methoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 96 2-[1-[2-(2- A A B B A methylphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 97 2-[1-[2-(2- A A B A A chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 98 2-[1-[2-[2- A A A A A (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]imid- azol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 99 2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2- A A B B A yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 100 2-(1-benzylimidazol-4- A A B A yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 101 2-[1-[(4- A A B B A fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 102 2-[1-[(2- A A B B A fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 103 2-[1-(1-phenylethyl)imidazol-4- A A A A A yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 104 2-[1-[(3- A A B A fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic 105 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2- A A C B A methylpropyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 106 2-[1-(1-phenylpropan-2- A A B A yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 107 2-[1-(1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4- A A B A A yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 108 2-[1-(2-methyl-1- A A B B A phenylpropyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 109 2-[1-(6-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H- A A C B A inden-1-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 110 2-[1-(4-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H- A A B B A inden-1-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 111 2-[1-[(3- A A C C A phenylphenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 112 2-[1-(2-naphthalen-1- A A B B A ylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 113 2-[1-[2-(3- A A B A chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 114 2-[1-(2-cyclohexylethyl)imidazol- A A B A 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 115 2-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)imidazol- A A B A 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 116 2-[1-(1,2,3,4- A A B A A tetrahydronaphthalen-1- ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- 4-carboxylic acid 117 2-[1-[[3- B A (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]imid- azol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 118 methyl 2-[1-[2-(2- fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate 119 methyl 2-[1-[(3- phenylphenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylate 120 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4- B A C D A fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 121 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4,5- C A difluorophenyl]-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 122 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6- C A fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 123 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-5- C B methylphenyl]-1-methylimidazol- 4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 124 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5- B A (4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 125 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4- B A fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 126 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1- C A (cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 127 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5- C A (4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 128 2-[1-[2-(2- C A ethoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 129 2-[1-[(2- B A C D A chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 130 2-[1-[(3- C A chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 131 2-[1-[(4- C A chlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 132 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-5- C A (4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 133 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[2-(2- C B chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 134 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2- C A trifluoroethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 135 2-[1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4- C A fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 136 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1- C A (cyclopropylmethyl)imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 137 2-[1-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5- C A (4-fluorophenyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 138 [5-[2-[1-[(2- C C chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridin-4-yl]tetrazol-2- yl]methyl acetate 139 [5-[2-[1-[(2- C C chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazol-4- yl]pyridin-4-yl]tetrazol-2- yl]methyl 2,2-dimethylpropanoate 140 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[2-[2- B A C D A (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]imid- azol-4-yl]pyridine 141 2-[1-[2-(2- B B C D A chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 142 2-[1-(2-naphthalen-1- A C D A ylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 143 2-[1-(1,2,3,4- B C D A tetrahydronaphthalen-1- ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 144 2-[1-(1-phenylpropyl)imidazol-4- B A C D A yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 145 2-[1-(2-methyl-1- B B C D A phenylpropyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4- (2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 146 2-[1-(1,2,3,4- C A tetrahydronaphthalen-2- ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 147 2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2- C A ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 148 2-[5-(4-fluoro-2- C A phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 149 2-[5-(2-butoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-1- C A methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 150 2-[5-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4- B A C D A fluorophenyl]-1-methylimidazol- 4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 151 2-[1-[(2,6- C A dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol- 4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 152 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2- C A (2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imid- azol-4-yl]pyridine 153 2-[1-[[2-(2- C B methylpropoxy)phenyl]methyl]imid- azol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5- yl)pyridine 154 2-[1-[[2-chloro-3- B A C D A (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]imid- azol-4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5- yl)pyridine 155 2-[1-(naphthalen-1- C A ylmethyl)imidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 156 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-[1-[[2- C A (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methyl]imid- azol-4-yl]pyridine 157 2-[1-[1-(2- C A chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4- yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 158 2-[1-[(2,3- C A dichlorophenyl)methyl]imidazol- 4-yl]-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 159 2-[5-[4-fluoro-3-(2,2,2- C B trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 160 2-[5-(4-fluoro-3- C A phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 161 2-[5-(4-chloro-3- C A phenylmethoxyphenyl)-1- methylimidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carbonitrile 162 2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H- C A tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-4-yl]phenol 163 2-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-5-[4-(2H- C B tetrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2- yl]imidazol-4-yl]-N- phenylbenzamide 164 2-[5-(4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)-1- C A methylimidazol-4-yl]-4-(2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 165 2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H- C C imidazol-4-yl)-4-(2-methyl-2H- tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine 166 (5-(2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H- C C imidazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H- tetrazol-2-yl)methyl pivalate 167 (5-(2-(1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H- C B imidazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H- tetrazol-2-yl)methyl acetate 168 (5-(2-(1-((1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalen-1- yl)methyl)-1H-imidazol-4- yl)pyridin-4-yl)-2H-tetrazol-2- yl)methyl pivalate 169 2-(1-(3-chlorobenzyl)-5-(2- C B (cyclopropylmethoxy)-4- fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)- 4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine Note: Biochemical assay IC₅₀ data are designated within the following ranges: A: ≤100 nM; B: >100 nM to ≤1,000 nM; C: >1,000 nM to ≤10,000 nM; D: >10,000 nM

Example 2 In Vitro Cell-Based Assay

An assay to measure the degree of cellular inhibition of KDM5A and 5B was developed. This quantitative immuno-blotting assay measures the amount tri-methylated histone H3 at amino acid Lysine number 4, a specific substrate and product of the direct enzymatic activity of the histone demethylases KDM5A and KDM5B from extracts of the ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell line.

Assay Principle

This assay is a fluorometric immunoassay for the quantification of tri-methyl H3K4 extracted from cells treated with test compound and is used as a measure of the cellular inhibition of KDM5A/B.

Assay Method

ZR-75-1(PTEN null, ER+) breast cancer cells numbering 50,000 (ATCC) were seeded into each well of a 96-well tissue culture treated plate and then exposed to an 11 point dilution of test compound with final concentration ranges of test compound ranging from 1250 μM to 10 nM. Cells were left in the presence of test compound for 72 hours. Extracts were prepared containing all of the cellular histone material using detergent based lysis and sonication methods. These lysates were subsequently normalized for total protein content using a colorimetric bicinchonic acid assay (MicroBCA Pierce/Thermo Scientific). Normalized cell extracts were then subjected to typical immuno-blotting procedures using NuPage reagents (Life Technologies). Electrophoretically separated histones were then transferred and immobilized using polyvinylidene difluoride membrane (Immobilon-FL Millipore). The amount of tri-methylated lysine 4 of histone H3 was detected using an antibody specific to the tri-methylated state (Cell Signaling Technologies) and quantified on an infrared imager using a densitometry software package (Odyssey CLx, Image Studio, Li-Cor). This background subtracted densitometry value was reported as a ration of the GAPDH amount for that sample and then calculated as a percent of the DMSO treated sample. The software package XL-fit (IDBS) was then used to calculate a relative IC₅₀ value for the dilution series of a given test compound according to the equation: fit=(D+((Vmax*(x^n))/((x^n)+(Km^n)))).

Table 4 provides the cellular IC₅₀ values of various compounds disclosed herein.

TABLE 4 Chemical IC₅₀ Synthesis ZR-75-1 cell-MOA Example Name (μM) 1 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid D 3 2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- D yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 7 2-[5-(4-cyclopropylphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- D yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 12 2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 15 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4- C yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 16 2-{5-[4-(cyclopropylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- C yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 18 2-{1-methyl-5-[4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4- C yl}pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 19 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 20 2-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- D carboxylic acid 22 2-[5-(1H-indol-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- D carboxylic acid 23 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 29 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- D yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 35 2-[5-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4- D yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 40 2-{1-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 41 2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid C 43 2-{1-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}pyridine-4- D carboxylic acid 62 2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine D 71 2-[1-[2-[cyclopropyl-[(4- C fluorophenyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- carboxylic acid 72 2-[1-[2-[(4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)methylamino]ethyl]imidazol-4- C yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 88 2-[1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-quinolin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazol-4- C yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 92 2-[1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 93 2-[1-[2-(2-fluorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 95 2-[1-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- D carboxylic acid 96 2-[1-[2-(2-methylphenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 97 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 98 2-[1-[2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine- D 4-carboxylic acid 99 2-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 100 2-(1-benzylimidazol-4-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid C 101 2-[1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 102 2-[1-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid 103 2-[1-(1-phenylethyl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid C 104 2-[1-[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- D carboxylic acid 105 2-[1-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpropyl]imidazol-4- C yl]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid 106 2-[1-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)imidazol-4-yl]pyridine-4- C carboxylic acid Note: Cellular assay IC₅₀ data are designated within the following ranges: A: ≤0.10 μM; B: >0.10 μM to ≤1.0 μM; C: >1.0 μM to ≤10 μM; D: >10 μM

Example 3 In Vivo Xenograph Study

Time release pellets containing 0.72 mg 1743 Estradiol are subcutaneously implanted into nu/nu mice. MCF-7 cells are grown in RPMI containing 10% FBS at 5% CO₂, 37° C. Cells are spun down and re-suspended in 50% RPMI (serum free) and 50% Matrigel at 1×10⁷ cells/mL. MCF-7 cells are subcutaneously injected (100 μL/animal) on the right flank 2-3 days post pellet implantation and tumor volume (length×width²/2) is monitored bi-weekly. When tumors reach an average volume of ˜200 mm³ animals are randomized and treatment is started. Animals are treated with vehicle or compound daily for 4 weeks. Tumor volume and body weight are monitored bi-weekly throughout the study. At the conclusion of the treatment period, plasma and tumor samples are taken for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, respectively.

III. Preparation of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Example 1 Oral Tablet

A tablet is prepared by mixing 48% by weight of a compound of Formula (I) or (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, 45% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose, 5% by weight of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, and 2% by weight of magnesium stearate. Tablets are prepared by direct compression. The total weight of the compressed tablets is maintained at 250-500 mg. 

We claim:
 1. A compound having the structure of Formula (II),

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R¹ is hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted aryl, R² is optionally substituted alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl or heteroarylalkyl; R³ is hydrogen; R⁴ is —CO₂H, —CO₂R⁶, —C(O)N(H)CN, or tetrazolyl; and R⁶ is alkyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is —CO₂H.
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is —CO₂R⁶.
 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is —C(O)N(H)CN.
 5. The compound of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is tetrazolyl.
 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is alkyl.
 7. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is methyl.
 8. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is alkyl, optionally substituted with alkoxy, dialkylamino, (aryl)(alkyl)amino, (carbocyclyl)(alkyl)amino, (heteroaryl)(alkyl)amino, (heterocyclyl)(alkyl)amino, (aralkyl)(alkyl)amino, (carbocyclylalkyl)(alkyl)amino, (heteroarylalkyl)(alkyl)amino, or (heterocyclylalkyl)(alkyl)amino.
 9. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is heterocyclyl.
 10. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is heterocyclylalkyl.
 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is hydrogen.
 12. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted aryl.
 13. The compound of claim 12, wherein R¹ is phenyl, optionally substituted with at least one group selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, —N(R⁵)₂, —CON(R⁵)₂, alkyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, aralkyl, or heteroarylalkyl.
 14. The compound of claim 12, wherein R¹ is phenyl, optionally substituted with at least one group selected from halogen, —OH, —OR⁵, alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 